SANS evidence for the dispersion of nanoparticles in W–1Y2O3 and W–1La2O3 processed by hot isostatic pressing

The development of a dispersion of nanoparticles in the W–1%Y2O3 and W–1%La2O3 (wt%) alloys processed by hot isostatic pressing have been investigated using small-angle neutron scattering. The analyses of the scattering data using the Beaucage unified approach reveal the presence of a bi-modal distribution of spherical scattering centers with sizes of less of 180 nm in these alloys. The mode values of these centers are found at ~ 10 and 40 nm in W–1%Y2O3, and at ~ 15 and 80 nm in W–1%La2O3. The scanning electron microscopy analyses showed the presence of small second phase particles. The contribution of the pore space to the scattering curves has been analyzed using the results obtained for pure W processed following the same procedure used for the alloys, and the porosity measurements of the samples.

► The dispersion of nanoparticles of Y2O3 and La2O3 has been demonstrated in ODS-W alloys. ► The size distribution of pores in pure W has been determined from SANS measurements. ► The results for W–1%Y2O3 and W–1%La2O3 alloys evidence the existence of different size distributions of nanosized oxide particles.