The study, titled High Radiation Resistance in the Binary W-Ta System Through Small V Additions: A New Paradigm for Nuclear Fusion Materials, explores the effects of vanadium (V) additions on binary tungsten-tantalum (W-Ta) alloys. The scientists found that even small amounts of V can significantly enhance radiation resistance, potentially redefining how structural materials for fusion reactors are designed.
“Fusion technology demands materials that withstand extreme conditions operating synergistically, such as severe radiation damage, helium and hydrogen embrittlement, and high temperatures” explains Ass.-Prof. Dr. Matheus A. Tunes, lead author of the study. “Our findings show that by carefully controlling chemical short-range order in refractory non-ferrous alloys through V additions, we can maintain thermodynamic stability in extreme environments while reducing the number of alloying elements, addressing on manufacturability” emphasizes Prof. Tunes.
The work led by the [X-MAT], which is a multidisciplinary research team in Leoben, bridges experimental validation with computational materials science. The role of ab-initio Monte Carlo simulations and machine-learning-driven molecular dynamics in understanding atomic interactions at an unprecedented level suggest that the new alloy, W53Ta42V5, with only three components, performs better than more complex refractory HEAs like WTaCrV and WTaCrVHf, in irradiation environments at high-temperatures.
Thermonuclear fusion remains neither a scientifically feasible nor a commercially viable energy source for a potential energy transition, but researchers at the Chair of Nonferrous Metallurgy are actively looking for new materials to enable such a technology. This task requires a multidisciplinary approach as well as continuous modernisation of the Montanuniversität’s existing materials characterization and testing infrastructure. “We are actively working through grants to contribute for the modernisation of the Montanuniversität Leoben’s research infrastructure, thus striving to ensure Austria remains scientifically and industrially competitive in a complex world”, Prof. Tunes remarks.
This discovery could have far-reaching implications for the future of nuclear fusion, offering a path toward more manufacturable and cost-effective fusion materials while maintaining the resilience required for these reactors. “Nonferrous metallurgy is the key to achieve sustained nuclear fusion in the near future” concludes Tunes.
From Leoben, the participants of the study were Uni.-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr. mont. Stefan Pogatscher, Dipl.-Ing. Dr. mont. Sebastian Samberger, Dipl.-Ing. Dr. mont. Patrick Willenshofer and Christoph Frühwirth.The research was carried out in collaboration with international partners: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (USA), Los Alamos National Laboratory (USA), University of California at Berkeley (USA), Clemson University (USA), Warsaw University of Technology (Poland), University of Helsinki (Finland), United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UK), and the University of Oxford (UK).
Access to the paper: M. A. Tunes et al.High Radiation Resistance in the Binary W-Ta System Through Small V Additions: A New Paradigm for Nuclear Fusion Materials. Advanced Science 2025, 2417659. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202417659
Video abstract: https://youtu.be/vINdGx89r5Q?si=-iYRI7MBWl4AQ6aA
Contact:
Ass.-Prof. Matheus A. Tunes, BSc MSc PhD MInstP
Chair of Nonferrous Metallurgy
