Investigation of LBE embrittlement effects on the fracture properties of T91

The susceptibility to liquid metal embrittlement (LME) of the T91 steel was studied by performing 3-point bending tests in liquid lead–bismuth eutectic (LBE), and for comparison, in argon (Ar) atmosphere as well. The specimens of T91 with different heat treatments were tested to access the hardening effect on the fracture toughness of the steel after exposure in LBE. The results showed that the fracture toughness of steel was reduced by contacting with LBE. The susceptibility of T91 to LBE embrittlement increased with the hardening of the steel introduced by heat treatments.