Characterization of precipitates in nano structured 14% Cr ODS alloys for fusion application

Oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) reduced activation ferritic (RAF) steels, have been considered as promising materials for application in fusion power reactors up to about 750 °C. Four ODS RAF steels, with compositions of Fe–13.5Cr–2W–(0–0.2–0.3–0.4)Ti–0.3Y2O3 (in wt.%) were produced by powder metallurgy technique. For the different Ti-contents, the correlation between microstructure and mechanical properties was analyzed by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) equipped with energy- dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX) and electron energy loss spectrometer (EELS). A bimodal grain size distribution was observed in all as-hipped Ti-containing ODS alloys. These alloys consisted of coarse grains typical ranging from 1 μm to 8 μm and fine grains well below 1 μm in diameter. The addition of Ti resulted in the formation of spherical Ti oxides rather than Cr oxides owing to the stronger affinity of Ti. The influence of Ti on particle size refinement was striking and the optimum effect was obtained when adding 0.3% Ti. Generally the hardness increased consistently with increasing in Ti content. The ODS alloying with 0.3% Ti exhibit the highest strength due to the optimum refinement of mean ODS particle size.

► We examine Ti influence on microstructure and mechanical properties of ODS steels.
► Ti addition leads to bimodal grain size distribution.
► The formation of Ti oxide and Y–Ti–O particles is observed in Ti-containing steels.
► The best nanoparticle refinement and tensile strength are obtained with 0.3% Ti.
► Ti exhibits adverse effect on the Charpy impact property.