International Journal of Refractory Metals & Hard Materials最新文献

{"title":"Enhancing the thermal stability of nanocrystalline tungsten alloys through optimized yttrium doping","authors":"Yu He ,&nbsp;Xun Shen ,&nbsp;Yifan Yan ,&nbsp;Shuju Liang ,&nbsp;Shuguang Cao ,&nbsp;Jingyuan He ,&nbsp;Jiangxia Liu ,&nbsp;Chong Peng ,&nbsp;Changjian Geng ,&nbsp;Lingwei Kong ,&nbsp;Kangkang Wen ,&nbsp;Rui Li","doi":"10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2026.107717","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2026.107717","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nanocrystalline (NC) tungsten (W) alloys with high thermal stability are needed for their use as plasma-facing materials in fusion reactors. In this work, the thermal stability of W alloys is optimized by yttrium (Y) doping, and the theoretical calculation and experimental verification are carried out. The link between the normalized grain boundary energy and the Y content (1–10 at.%) and the microstructural evolution were systematically investigated. Theoretical modeling showed an optimum Y doping range of 3–5 at.%, which thermodynamically stabilizes the nanostructure by lowering the grain boundary energy to below zero. W<img>Y alloys were synthesized experimentally by high-energy ball milling and high-pressure consolidation. W<img>3Y and W<img>5Y alloys showed excellent thermal stability, with sub-30 nm NC grain size after annealing at 1300 °C for 1 h, and W<img>5Y alloy showed a Vickers hardness of 17.8 GPa, showing only 12.3% decrease compared to the as-sintered state. In contrast, the specific grain boundary energy was increased by excessive Y doping (e.g., 10 at.%), which reduced thermodynamic stability and made the material kinetically pinned by Y₂O₃ nanoparticles, which were found to be inadequate at higher temperatures. The results show that the synergistic effect of thermodynamic stabilization by Y segregation and kinetic stabilization by oxide pinning is responsible for the improved performance. This work offers a fundamental approach for the design of high-performance, nanoscale tungsten-based materials for extreme environments in fusion energy and other advanced nuclear systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":14216,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Refractory Metals & Hard Materials","volume":"138 ","pages":"Article 107717"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146110059","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Corrigendum to “High temperature brazing of TZM/graphite using Hastelloy C-276 as filler and joint formation mechanism” [international Journal of Refractory Metals and Hard Materials 140 (2026) 107869]","authors":"Jia-Wei Zheng, Jie Ning, Gui-feng Zhang, Polamuri Sudheer Kumar, Geng An, Zhou Wu, Won-Ik Cho, Suck-Joo Na","doi":"10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2026.107927","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2026.107927","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":14216,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Refractory Metals & Hard Materials","volume":"35 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148357546","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Interfacial characteristics and mechanical properties of high-strength tungsten alloy/steel joints diffusion bonded with an electroplated nano-crystal nickel interlayer","authors":"Yifan Han, Li Hong, Wensheng Liu, Yunzhu Ma, Qingshan Cai, Tianhao Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2026.107939","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2026.107939","url":null,"abstract":"The interfacial microstructure evolution and fracture behavior of tungsten alloy/steel joints bonded using electroplated nanocrystalline Ni interlayers with different thickness were systematically investigated. Diffusion bonding was conducted at 950 °C for 1 h under a pressure of 25 MPa. At the Ni/W alloy interface, a Ni<ce:inf loc=\"post\">2</ce:inf>W<ce:inf loc=\"post\">4</ce:inf>C intermetallic layer was formed under all conditions, while the presence and morphology of WC were strongly dependent on the Ni interlayer thickness. When the Ni interlayer was thin, WC tended to form a sub continuous layer adjacent to Ni<ce:inf loc=\"post\">2</ce:inf>W<ce:inf loc=\"post\">4</ce:inf>C. At an intermediate Ni thickness (~80 μm), finely dispersed WC phases were observed in association with the Ni<ce:inf loc=\"post\">2</ce:inf>W<ce:inf loc=\"post\">4</ce:inf>C layer. With further increase in Ni thickness, carbon diffusion, was significantly reduced, and only a continuous Ni<ce:inf loc=\"post\">2</ce:inf>W<ce:inf loc=\"post\">4</ce:inf>C layer was detected, without the formation of WC phases. The maximum tensile strength of 691 MPa was achieved at 80 μm Ni thickness. The variation in joint strength was found to correlate with the thickness dependent evolution of the interfacial microstructure and WC distribution along the bonding interface. The results indicate that the thickness of the electroplated Ni interlayer plays an important role in regulating interfacial phase constitution and mechanical performance. These findings provide useful insight into the diffusion bonding behavior of tungsten alloy to steel using electroplated Ni interlayers and offer guidance for structural applications requiring high interfacial reliability.","PeriodicalId":14216,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Refractory Metals & Hard Materials","volume":"138 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148311975","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Corrigendum to ‘Development of an effective hard alloy composition for machining white cast irons’ [International Journal of Refractory Metals and Hard Materials Volume 140 (2026) 107857]","authors":"A.A. Allanazarov, Primkulov B.Sh, A.H. Akhmedov, K.J. Khakimov, A.K. Nomozov, U.E. Normurodov, A.A. Yusupov, Shakirov Sh.M, Boboev H.Kh, L.E. Yakubov, Bektemirov B.Sh","doi":"10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2026.107886","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2026.107886","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":14216,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Refractory Metals & Hard Materials","volume":"250 1","pages":"107886"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148287176","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microstructure and wear behavior of carbide-metal cermet materials with WB addition","authors":"Ziqing Xiong ,&nbsp;Xiufang Gong ,&nbsp;Xiaohu Yuan ,&nbsp;Chunmei Tang ,&nbsp;Xia Lou ,&nbsp;Xiangrong Li ,&nbsp;Kaifeng Jing ,&nbsp;Longgang Wang ,&nbsp;Jinwen Cai ,&nbsp;Xiang Xia ,&nbsp;Tianen Yang ,&nbsp;Guang Xian ,&nbsp;Zhixing Guo","doi":"10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2026.107652","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2026.107652","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Carbide-metal cermet materials-(WC-6Ni) were fabricated, and the effect of tungsten boride (WB) addition on the phase evolution, microstructure, mechanical properties, and wear behavior was investigated. The results show that the microstructure of the cermet materials is changed after the addition of WB. With the WB addition, WC grains are first coarsened at 0.5 wt% WB, and then refined at 0.9 wt% WB, while the grains become rounder and more homogeneous. During sintering, WB reacts with the Ni binder to form the intermetallic compound Ni₂B. Meanwhile, a small amount of boron dissolves into the WC lattice, and a lattice distortion is induced. In addition, the proportion of high-angle grain boundaries in the WC phase increases, and the {0001} basal texture is strengthened. In the Ni phase, the geometrically necessary dislocation (GND) density rises, indicating enhanced local strain hardening. The Schmid factor (SF) decreases, suggesting suppressed slip activity and improved resistance to plastic deformation. As a consequence, both the mechanical and tribological properties have been improved. The composite containing 0.5 wt% WB shows the highest hardness and adequate toughness. The coefficient of friction (COF) and wear rate decrease, indicating better wear resistance under both room-temperature and high-temperature conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":14216,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Refractory Metals & Hard Materials","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107652"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145894146","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microstructure and mechanical properties of Mo alloys reinforced with the combination of PSZ and Ti3AlC2","authors":"Tianrun Ma ,&nbsp;Fengshun Du ,&nbsp;Bohua Duan ,&nbsp;Dezhi Wang ,&nbsp;Zhuangzhi Wu ,&nbsp;Xinli Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2026.107665","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2026.107665","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The development of novel Mo alloys that combine high strength and toughness has been a critical goal in the research community. A co-reinforced Mo alloy was prepared through powder metallurgy by adding partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ) and MAX phase Ti₃AlC₂ to the Mo matrix. The influence of varying PSZ/Ti₃AlC₂ ratios on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mo alloys was thoroughly studied. The results indicate that as the PSZ/ Ti₃AlC₂ ratio is increased, the density, elongation, and fracture toughness of sintered molybdenum alloys are enhanced, while their strength and hardness also show varying degrees of improvement. At a PSZ/Ti₃AlC₂ ratio of 7:3, the prepared Mo alloy exhibits optimal comprehensive properties, with a relative density of 96.8%, a hardness of 193.1 Hv, a tensile strength of 537.4 MPa, an elongation of 21.69%, and a fracture toughness of 29.1 MPa·m^1/2. The synergistic effect of PSZ and Ti₃AlC₂ optimizes the alloy's microstructure and enhances its overall performance through multiple mechanisms. PSZ has a more pronounced effect on the ductility, whereas Ti₃AlC₂ plays a more significant role in enhancing the strength. The findings provide a new strategy for the preparation of high-performance molybdenum alloys.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":14216,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Refractory Metals & Hard Materials","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107665"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146035166","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microstructure and mechanical properties of WC-Co/TC4 joints by square flat-top laser brazing","authors":"Liang Wang ,&nbsp;Wentao Li ,&nbsp;Yi Rong ,&nbsp;Anliang Ma ,&nbsp;Lei Su ,&nbsp;Liming Lei ,&nbsp;Lianghui Xu ,&nbsp;Yong He ,&nbsp;Jianhua Yao","doi":"10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2026.107685","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2026.107685","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A uniform heating strategy based on a square flat-top laser beam was proposed to achieve high-quality laser brazing of WC-Co and TC4. Crack-free brazing joints with excellent metallurgical bonding were successfully prepared. The results showed that the joint consisted of WC-Co/TiC+WC/α-Ti + β-Ti + (Ti, Zr)₂(Cu, Ni) + Ti(s,s)/Ti(s,s) + Widmanstätten/TC4. Increasing the laser energy density enhanced interfacial reactions and elemental interdiffusion, promoting further dissolution of WC and the formation of TiC, thereby thickening the WC-Co/brazing seam reaction layer. Meanwhile, the higher element diffusion rate gradually thickened the diffusion layer at the brazing seam/TC4 interface, significantly coarsening the internal Widmanstätten microstructure. The content of the (Ti, Zr)₂(Cu, Ni) phase in the brazing seam decreased, resulting in a reduction in the microhardness of the brazing seam area from 474 HV_1.0 to 438 HV_1.0. Joint shear strength peaked at 217.2 MPa with an energy density of 3733 J/cm², demonstrating an initial increase followed by a subsequent decrease. Beyond this optimal energy density, excessive heat input induced thermal stress concentration at the WC-Co/brazing seam interface. The resultant microcracks compromised the joint integrity, leading to a reduction in strength. This study demonstrates that flat-top laser brazing provides an efficient and reliable technique for achieving high-quality joining, offering guidance for its future application to broader material systems and advanced engineering components.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":14216,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Refractory Metals & Hard Materials","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107685"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146035164","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Study on the strengthening mechanism of nitrogen–titanium combination alloying for laser beam welding joint of molybdenum alloy","authors":"Liangliang Zhang ,&nbsp;Shalong Li ,&nbsp;Meng Zhang ,&nbsp;Kunying Li ,&nbsp;Jiayuan Zhao ,&nbsp;Pengjun Zuo ,&nbsp;Jiaen Yu ,&nbsp;Zhuoran Shi ,&nbsp;Qingjun Zhang ,&nbsp;Jiahao Zhang ,&nbsp;Shifeng Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2026.107670","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2026.107670","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The high-quality joining of laser beam welding (LBW) molybdenum (Mo) alloy joints is confronted with challenges due to the reduction of embrittlement and strength. On this study, An innovative approach “nitrogen (N) and titanium (Ti) combined alloy” was employed in the laser welding of molybdenum alloys, which resulted in a significant enhancement in joint strength while maintaining ductility. This method is achieved through the N₂ alloying meanwhile addition Ti to the melt pool. The essential cause of the grain boundary embrittlement is the O easily forms the lamellar MoO₂ at the Mo grain boundaries, which leads to the low bonding strength of the grain boundary. The strengthening mechanism of the N and Ti combined alloying is attributed to the purification effect of N and Ti on grain boundaries and the strengthening effect of the second phase formed by their reaction at grain boundaries. Firstly, Ti reacts with MoO₂ to form TiO₂, thereby purifying the grain boundaries. Secondly, N can react with Ti in the high - temperature melt pool forming approximately 100 nm TiN particles, which are distributed both in the grains and at the grain boundaries. They can prevent the formation of dislocations and inhibit crack propagation along the grain boundaries, thus strengthening the grain boundaries.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":14216,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Refractory Metals & Hard Materials","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107670"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145979484","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Improved compressive plasticity in refractory high-entropy alloys: Substituting W with Zr as a novel compositional optimization strategy","authors":"Feng Liu ,&nbsp;Xiangyang Shen ,&nbsp;Yue Zhang ,&nbsp;Fuyu Dong ,&nbsp;Binbin Wang ,&nbsp;Yanqing Su","doi":"10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2026.107677","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2026.107677","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>NbMoTaW refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEAs) exhibit excellent mechanical properties at high temperatures. However, they are not suited for many practical applications due to their limited room-temperature plasticity. A novel compositional optimization strategy based on partial substitution of W with Zr was implemented in this study. A series of NbMoTaZr_x (x = 0, 0.2, 0.6, 1.0, 1.4) RHEAs were fabricated via vacuum arc melting, then their microstructures, phase compositions, and mechanical properties were systematically characterized. All exhibited a BCC1 phase enriched with Ta, Mo, and Nb, along with a Zr-dominated BCC2 phase of a typical dendritic structure. The compressive plasticity at room temperature significantly improved with increasing Zr content, while the compressive yield strength initially increased and then decreased. The samples' enhanced mechanical performance can be attributed to solid solution strengthening, an increased volume fraction of interdendritic regions, and grain refinement. The fracture mode was also found to transition from intergranular fracture in NbMoTa RHEAs to cleavage fracture in NbMoTaZr_1.4 RHEAs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":14216,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Refractory Metals & Hard Materials","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107677"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146035242","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microstructural evolution and transformation mechanisms of W and W-Y2O3 matrices under ultra-high temperature for nuclear thermal propulsion","authors":"Guoqiang Wang ,&nbsp;Lihua Guo ,&nbsp;Feng Zhang ,&nbsp;Luqiao Yang ,&nbsp;Jun Lin","doi":"10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2025.107649","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2025.107649","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tungsten (W)-based cermet fuels have garnered significant interest in nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) systems due to their high melting point, thermal properties, and compatibility with hydrogen (H₂) propellants. The W–Y₂O₃ composite matrix prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) exhibits greater densification and suppressed grain growth compared to pure W. Since NTP systems operate at temperatures above 2300 °C, the microstructural evolution under elevated temperatures is crucial to fuel performance. This study investigates the high temperature effects on the microstructure of pure W and W–Y₂O₃ matrices fabricated by SPS. The matrices were subjected to temperatures ranging from 1800 °C to 2300 °C. Below 2300 °C, Y₂O₃ particles effectively inhibited W grain growth through the Zener pinning effect, thereby increasing the proportion of low-angle grain boundaries (LAGBs). At high temperatures, H₂ diffuses into the matrix, reacting with uranium dioxide (UO₂), which contributes to fuel loss. The fine grains increase grain boundary density, extending H₂ diffusion paths, while LAGBs help mitigate harmful H₂ accumulation. However, at 2300 °C, W diffuses into Y₂O₃, causing the Y₂O₃ grains to grow and leading to the formation of pores and cracks. This weakens the Zener pinning effect, promoting abnormal grain growth of W, which ultimately results in an increase in high-angle grain boundaries (HAGBs) and accelerates the diffusion of H₂. The study identifies three stages of W diffusion into Y₂O₃: initial enrichment at Y₂O₃ grain boundaries, formation of W-depleted/W-enriched island-like structures within Y₂O₃ grains, and the formation of a Y₆WO₁₂ core-Y₂O₃ shell structure at 2300 °C, providing valuable insights for optimizing Y₂O₃ composites for NTP applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":14216,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Refractory Metals & Hard Materials","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107649"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145894179","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}