SANS evidence for the dispersion of nanoparticles in W-1Y$_2$O$_3$ and W-1La$_2$O$_3$ processed by hot isostatic pressing

TL;DR

This study uses small angle neutron scattering to analyze nanoparticle dispersion in tungsten alloys with Y2O3 and La2O3, revealing particle sizes and pore contributions after hot isostatic pressing.

Contribution

It provides detailed nanoparticle size distribution and pore analysis in tungsten alloys processed by hot isostatic pressing, using neutron scattering and microscopy.

Findings

Nanoparticles are at 10-40 nm in W-1%Y2O3 and 15-80 nm in W-1%La2O3.

Small second phase particles are observed via electron microscopy.

Porosity influences scattering curves and is quantified.

Abstract

The development of dispersion of nanoparticles in the W-1%Y$_2$O$_3$ and W-1%La$_2$O$_3$ (wt%) alloys processed by hot isostatic pressing has been investigated using small angle neutron scattering. The mode values of these centers are found at 10 and 40 nm in W-1%Y$_2$O$_3$, and 15 and 80 nm in W-1%La$_2$O$_3$. The scanning electron microscopy analyses showed the presence of small second phase particles. The contribution of the pore space to the scattering curves has been analyzed using the results obtained for pure W processed following the same procedure used for the alloys, and the porosity measurements of the samples.