Advancing Development of Ta-Ti-V-W High-Entropy Alloys for Generation IV Fusion Reactors

The data and software associated with the project " Advancing Development of Ta-Ti-V-W High-Entropy Alloys for Generation IV Fusion Reactors" is being prepared for future publication. The dataset includes: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images can be viewed using standard image-processing software. Experimental density and weight data spreadsheets are compatible with Microsoft Excel for the spreadsheets. Microhardness data spreadsheets that can be opened with conventional spreadsheet software. SEM/EDS raw data, including compositional maps and point analyses. These provide detailed compositional data for the as-cast samples and can be opened using the Oxford Instruments AZtec software. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) raw data, accessible via conventional spreadsheet or XRD data processing software. Methodology The alloy compositions studied — Ta25Ti35V25W15, Ta25Ti30V25W20, Ta25Ti25V25W25, and Ta25Ti20V25W30 — were developed as part of a project aimed at designing a new class of metallic materials for potential use in future fusion energy systems, a field regarded as essential for achieving clean and sustainable energy. The objective was to create alloys that meet the environmental and safety criteria defined by UK nuclear materials regulations, particularly concerning long-term radioactivity and structural stability. Alloys were produced by arc melting pure elements (>=99.9% purity). Each ingot was inverted and remelted at least five times to minimise compositional inhomogeneity. All characterisation and testing was carried out on the alloys in their as-cast state. Density measurements were performed via Archimedes' principle (hydrostatic weighing) using a Mettler Toledo XS analytical balance equipped with a dedicated density determination kit. Deionised (DI) water was utilized as the auxiliary liquid. To correct for density variations due to temperature changes, the liquid temperature was monitored using the precision thermometer provided with the kit and input into the balance software. The experimental density of each sample was determined by averaging the results of 5-10 independent measurements to ensure accuracy and reproducibility. SEM, EDS, and Microhardness Sample Preparation SEM and microhardness specimens were prepared using standard metallographic techniques. The samples were mounted in ConductoMount (a conductive mounting compound by MetPrep), ground, and finished with a final polish in a 0.06 microns colloidal silica solution neutralised with H2O2. SEM/EDS analysis was conducted using a Zeiss GeminiSEM 300, equipped with an Oxford Instruments EDX detector. Actual alloy compositions were determined from the as-cast state by averaging results from at least five large, randomly selected areas per sample. Microhardness measurements were performed using a Qness Q30A+. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed on unmounted, polished specimens in rotating sample mode. Due to instrument availability during the experimental timeline, separate batches of specimens were cut and prepared for each diffractometer: Bruker D8 Advance (B3) utilizing Cu Kalpha1,2 radiation. Bruker D8 Advance (B1) utilizing Co Kalpha1,2 radiation. This dataset represents the current phase of research on the synthesis, processing, and characterisation of Ta–Ti–V–W refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEAs) developed for Generation IV nuclear fusion applications. The data includes experimental measurements of sample mass (in air and liquid), calculations of density via the Archimedes method, temperature logs, and calculated statistical deviations across multiple measurement cycles to ensure high data fidelity and reproducibility. Funding and Acknowledgements:This work was supported by the Leverhulme Trust through the Leverhulme Researchers at Risk Research Support Grant under grant number: LTRSF25/100054. The dataset from the previous project can be accessed via Zenodo: https://zenodo.org/records/15730663