Effect of prior cold-work on radiation-induced segregation in proton-irradiated austenitic stainless steel

The effect of prior cold-work on radiation-induced segregation in proton-irradiated type 304 SS (1.00 dpa) was investigated using electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation (EPR) test followed by atomic force microscopic examination. Attacked linear features were noticed after EPR testing of the irradiated specimen and it was attributed to chromium depletion and/or decoration of strain-regions by point-defects on slip planes. Attack on locations near grain boundaries was also noticed after EPR tests in the irradiated specimen. Electron backscatter diffraction analysis of the irradiated specimen showed increase in ΣΣ1 fraction within the matrix and formation of strain-regions near grain boundaries.

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► Characterization of radiation-induced segregation done by EPR and AFM examination.
► Linear features within the matrix noticed after EPR tests on irradiated specimen.
► Formation of strain-regions near grain boundaries after irradiation.
► Increased susceptibility to IASCC due to strain-regions near grain boundaries.