Magnetron-Sputter Deposition of W Coatings for Fusion Applications

Tungsten (W) is among candidates for the first wall material at critical locations in future fusion reactors. Vicker microhardness, pin-on-disc sliding, wear tests were performed to evaluate the mechanical and tribological properties of the W coatings fabricated by magnetron sputter deposition technique in dependence on the deposition parameters. X-ray diffraction was used for phase and peak shape analysis. The coating morphology was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The W coatings with dense microstructure have been developed for applications as wear (or erosion) resistant components.