Research and development on vanadium alloys for fusion breeder blanket application

The status of research and development on vanadium alloys and on their application as a structural material in the breeder blanket of a fusion power plant are reviewed. Emphasis has been placed on irradiation experiments and the effects of neutron and ion irradiation on the microstructure of the current reference alloy, V 4Cr 4Ti. The effects of a liquid lithium environment and the exchange of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen impurities between the alloy and application-relevant environments are also reviewed. The dependence of microstructural features on irradiation experiment parameters are examined, with a summary on magnetohydrodynamic effects and mechanical properties of the alloy. The relationship between the ductility and the alloy chemistry and the irradiation test temperature are analysed. Review of the state of the art indicates that further developments of facilities simulating a realistic fusion radiation and liquid lithium environment are fundamental to advancing fusion reactor breeder design. • The status of research on vanadium alloys for fusion breeder blankets is reviewed. • The focus is on irradiation-induced changes in microstructure. • The effects of a liquid lithium environment on the alloy are also detailed. • Combined fusion neutron irradiation and lithium is needed to evaluate performance.