Pulse current electrodeposition of tungsten coatings on V–4Cr–4Ti alloy

• Tungsten coatings were successfully electroplated on vanadium alloy substrate.
• Tungsten coatings consisted of two sub-layers.
• Tungsten coatings plated at lower duty cycle has a better surface quality.
• High heat flux property of tungsten coatings was investigated.
• Helium ion irradiation property of tungsten coatings was investigated.

Tungsten coatings with high (2 2 0)-orientation were formed on V alloy substrate by pulse current electrodeposition in air atmosphere. The coatings’ microstructure, crystal structure and adhesive strength between coatings and substrates were investigated. It could be observed the tungsten coatings consisted of two sub-layers with the inner tooth-like layer, and the outer columnar layer. The tungsten coatings deposited at lower duty cycle have a better surface quality with a little change in the adhesive strength. The tungsten coating was exposed to electron beam with power density of 200 MW/m2 in the thermal shock test, the tungsten crystal grain surface melt, the microcracks are found among the crystal grains. Exfoliation, flaking and dense needle-like holes were observed on the tungsten coating after irradiation with helium ions at an energy of 65 keV and an implanted dose of 22.67 × 1018 cm−2.