Thermal shock behavior of W–ZrC/Sc2O3 composites under two different transient events by electron and laser irradiation

The transient thermal shock behaviors of W–ZrC/Sc₂O₃ composites with different ZrC contents were evaluated using transient thermal shock test by electron and laser beams. The effects of different ZrC doping contents on the surface morphology and thermal shock resistance of W–ZrC/Sc₂O₃ composites were then investigated. Similarity and difference between effects of electron and laser beam transient heat loading were also discussed in this study. Repeated heat loading resulted in thermal fatigue of the irradiated W–ZrC/Sc₂O₃ samples by thermal stress, leading to the rough surface morphologies with cracks. After different transient thermal tests, significant surface roughening, cracks, surface melting, and droplet ejection occurred. W–2vol.%Sc₂O₃ sample has superior thermal properties and greater resistance to surface modifications under transient thermal shock, and with the increasing ZrC content in W alloys, thermal shock resistance of W–Zr/Sc₂O₃ sample tends to be unsatisfied.