Erlangen 2026 – scientific programme
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P: Fachverband Plasmaphysik
P 16: Poster Session Plasma Physics
P 16.3: Poster
Thursday, March 19, 2026, 13:45–15:45, Redoutensaal
Experimental Investigation into the Influence of Carbon on the Mechanical Properties of Tungsten — •Sebastian Estermann1,2, Alexander Feichtmayer1, Till Höschen1, Johann Riesch1, Thomas Schwarz-Selinger1, and Rudolf Neu1,2 — 1Max Planck-Insitute for Plasma Physics, Boltzmannstr. 2, 85748 Garching — 2Technical University Munich, Boltzmannstr. 15, 85748 Garching
Fusion power plants are a promising alternative for the electricity production with low CO2 emission. In such power plants prevail extreme conditions, so likely used materials for plasma contact such as tungsten (W) must be well characterized for save operation. It is known, that even little amount of impurities, e.g. carbon (C) which can be present during manufacturing, can change the properties of W. Subject of this research is the change in mechanical properties of thin, ductile W wires under the influence of C. The embrittlement of W by C has so far only been investigated at temperatures well above 1100 ∘C. As materials behaviour also changes with temperature, there are two impacts combined. By irradiating the W wires with C ions, the implantation of C atoms into the W lattice is possible at temperatures below 1100 ∘C. This way the influence of the temperature from the influence of C itself can be seperated. A comparison to unirradiated samples that have been heat-treated for 8 h at 900 ∘C is done. For evaluation, the reduction in area at the fracture surface serves as a measure of ductility. In the range 0-2700 ppm C content, the wires retained their ductility and no systematic changes were observed.
Keywords: Tungsten; Carbon; Irradiation; Embrittlement