MINIATURA GRANT – Dr. Tomasz Stasiak

Title: Investigation on the possibility of producing new single-phase refractory high entropy alloys by arc melting

Project duration: 05.10.2023 – 04.10.2024

Budget: 48 620 PLN

Abstract

High entropy alloys (HEAs) combining four or more elements in near-equimolar ratios have opened new possibilities for materials with exceptional properties unattainable in conventional one- or two-element alloys. Among these, single-phase bcc refractory HEAs are particularly promising due to their high mechanical strength at elevated temperatures and superior irradiation resistance, making them strong candidates for future fusion and Generation IV fission reactors. Building on prior computational and experimental work on the Cr-Hf-Mo-Ta-W system, which confirmed a single bcc phase and high hardness in thin-film form, this project aims to extend the investigation to bulk alloys produced by arc melting. Starting with equiatomic CrHfMoTaW, the study will systematically replace Cr and Mo—due to their low boiling point and high activation properties, respectively-with other refractory elements such as Nb, V, and Zr, yielding systems like Hf-Nb-Ta-V-W and Hf-Nb-Ta-W-Zr. Structural and microstructural characterization will be performed via XRD and SEM-EDS, complemented by hardness testing and homogenization annealing at 1200–1500°C. Selected alloys will undergo tensile testing from room temperature up to 1000°C. This preliminary work will establish a foundation for a larger project exploring the mechanical behavior and irradiation resistance mechanisms of refractory HEAs at high temperatures.



This project has received funding from the European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation
programme under grant agreement No 857470 and from European Regional Development Fund
via Foundation for Polish Science International Research Agenda PLUS programme grant
No MAB PLUS/2018/8.
Poland
The project is co-financed from the state budget within the framework of the undertaking of the Minister of Science and Higher Education "Support for the activities of Centers of Excellence established under Horizon 2020".

Grant: 5 143 237,70 EUR
Total value: 29 971 365,00 EUR
Date of signing the funding agreement: December 2023

The purpose of the undertaking is to support entities of the higher education and science system that have received funding from the European Union budget in the competition H2020-WIDESPREAD-2018-2020/WIDESPREAD-01-2018-2019: Teaming Phase 2. in the preparation, implementation and updating of activities, maintenance of material resources necessary for carrying out activities, acquisition and modernization of scientific and research apparatus, maintenance and development of personnel potential necessary for the implementation of activities, and dissemination of the results of scientific activities.