High-entropy alloys for nuclear applications

Dr Ed Pickering from the University of Manchester talks about the special properties of high-entropy alloys that make them potentially suitable for the construction of nuclear power plants.

High-entropy alloys are those that comprise five or more principal alloying elements, often in near-equiatomic ratios. Their compositions are, therefore, quite different from conventional alloys, which tend to be based around a single component. For example, popular they may include CrMnFeCoNi, Al0.5CrCoFeNiCu, and VNbMoTaW. The expanded compositional freedom afforded by these alloys may represent a unique opportunity for nuclear applications, especially where current engineering alloys fall short. This talk will provide a critical review of the work done to date in the field of high-entropy alloys for nuclear applications, and discuss related challenges and opportunities. Specific topics for discussion will include: (i) whether there is evidence that the entropy-rich alloys possess ‘special’ irradiation resistance in comparison to conventional alloys, (ii) opportunities to ‘tune’ the composition for particular irradiation responses, and (iii) challenges associated with alloy design and manufacture for nuclear.

This seminar is a part of a series of talks given at the Warwick Manufacturing Group of Warwick University, organised by Dr Prakash Srirangam.