Microstructure of a commercial W-1% La2O3 alloy

W-1% La2O3 alloy is considered as the most promising material for plasma-facing components of fusion reactors. The microstructure of a commercial W-1% La2O3 alloy was investigated using optical and transmission electron microscopes. The microstructure of pure tungsten can be improved significantly by fabrication of W-1% La2O3 alloys. W-1% La2O3 alloys can be produced with no porosities and cracks, and with various oxide phases dispersed in alloy matrix. La2O3 with different crystal structures, La6W2O15, WO2, WO3 and W3O8 phases were identified in as-forged W-1% La2O3 alloy. Long strip-like La2O3 has a very large size, whereas spherical La6W2O15, navicular WO3, hexagonal W3O8 and short rod-like La2O3 are smaller particles. Most identified phases have a heterogeneous distribution. Forging leads to a more dispersive distribution of large-sized La2O3 particles but not of fine WO3 particles compared with rolling. The mechanical properties of the alloys are also discussed.