Oxidation protection of tungsten alloys for nuclear fusion applications: A comprehensive review

Abstract As the most noticeable plasma-oriented material (PFM), metal tungsten is widely used in nuclear fusion reactors. However, its oxidation resistance is poor at high temperatures. When the reactor loss of cooling accident occurs, tungsten armor is oxidized and volatilized rapidly due to air enters the vacuum chamber, which will cause catastrophic nuclear leakage accidents. Relevant scholars have conducted a large number of studies, pointed out that the developments of self-passivating tungsten alloy and surface protection technology are effective ways to solve this problem. In this work, the application of various alloys and coatings in the oxidation protection of tungsten is reviewed, and their microstructure, oxidation behavior, and failure mechanism are analyzed and summarized. The development direction and trend of oxidation protection of W-based materials are prospected.