Research Progress on High-Entropy Alloy TiZrVNb in the Nuclear Industry

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are a new class of alloys composed of four or more principal elements in equiatomic or near-equiatomic ratios. Unlike traditional alloys, HEAs tend to form simple solid solution structures rather than intermetallic compounds, resulting in superior mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and radiation tolerance.

TiZrVNb is a typical refractory high-entropy alloy composed of titanium, zirconium, vanadium, and niobium. Research shows that this alloy exhibits exceptional defect recombination under neutron irradiation, with significantly lower radiation hardening and swelling compared to traditional nuclear materials. It is considered an ideal candidate for cladding and core structural components in fourth-generation nuclear reactors.

Additionally, TiZrVNb high-entropy alloys offer the following advantages: 1 low density (approximately 6.8g/cm g/cm³), which helps reduce structural weight; 2 high strength at elevated temperatures, maintaining excellent mechanical properties up to 800°C; 3 resistance to liquid metal corrosion, making them suitable for advanced reactors such as lead-cooled fast reactors; 4 small neutron absorption cross-section, ensuring optimal reactor neutron economy.

Jiangsu HEA keeps a close watch on cutting-edge research in high-entropy alloys. We have developed the manufacturing process for TiZrVNb alloy wire and can provide small-batch prototyping and technical support services to clients in the nuclear industry.