On the LME susceptibility of Si enriched steels

This paper discusses the assessment of the mechanical properties of silicon enriched high Cr steels T91, T91-Si, EP823, S2439 and S2440 when in contact with LBE. The stability and strength of the material's oxide layer was examined by nano-indentation and the oxide layer of EP823 was found to be harder and stiffer than that of T91. Furthermore, the nano-indents caused cracking of the oxide layer at the matrix-oxide interface in EP823 while no cracks were observed due to nano-indentation in the T91 oxide layer. These findings are then related to the respective material's susceptibility to liquid metal embrittlement.