High Radiation Resistance in the Binary W-Ta System Through Small V Additions: A New Paradigm for Nuclear Fusion Materials.

Refractory High-Entropy Alloys (RHEAs) are promising candidates for structural materials in nuclear fusion reactors, where W-based alloys are currently leading. Fusion materials must withstand extreme conditions, including i) severe radiation damage from energetic neutrons, ii) embrittlement due to H and He ion implantation, and iii) exposure to high temperatures and thermal gradients. Recent RHEAs, such as WTaCrV and WTaCrVHf, have shown superior radiation tolerance and microstructural stability compared to pure W, but their multi-element compositions complicate bulk fabrication and limit practical use.