Surface and bulk modification of W–La2O3 armor mock-up

W–(1%)La2O3 has been investigated after thermal exposure in the Quasi-Stationary Plasma Accelerator facility in order to obtain information regarding its surface damage and morphological modification. The profilometry measurements and the Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis showed that surface erosion and corrugation become more pronounced with increasing the thermal load. The La2O3 particle density inside the sample has been measured by Scanning Auger Microscopy. It decreases with increasing the thermal load and presents a negative gradient from the bulk to the surface.