This work showcases the joining of dissimilar materials which is critical for proving the utility and practicality of the cWC-RSB concept using the sinter-fusing technique. Materials to be jointed are heated to a temperature below the melting point where a lower melting point alloy forms a eutectic to bond the materials together.

cWC and RSB materials need to be compatible with existing reactor material as well as being activation resistant under irradiation.

Materials alongside cWC and RSB inside reactors include (but are not limited to) steel for the vacuum vessel and connective parts, CuZrCr alloy (often used for pipes and braze sections), W metal components and the tritium breeding blanket.

The activating environment also rules out standard braze alloys which often contain Zn and Ag which are highly activating.

This work shows that sinter-fusing has potential to join dissimilar materials and would be compatible with reactor materials such as RAFM and ODS steels.