Microstructure of HIPed and SPSed 9Cr-ODS steel and its effect on helium bubble formation

Two 9Cr-ODS steels with the same nominal composition were consolidated by hot isostatic pressing (HIP, named COS-1) and spark plasma sintering (SPS, named COS-2). Helium ions were implanted into COS-1, COS-2 and non-ODS Eurofer 97 steels up at 673 K. Microstructures before and after helium ion implantations were carefully characterized. The results show a bimodal grain size distribution in COS-2 and a more uniform grain size distribution in COS-1. Nanoscale clusters of GP-zone type Y-Ti-O and Y2Ti2O7 pyrochlore as well as large spinel Mn(Ti)Cr2O4 particles are all observed in the two ODS steels. The Y-Ti-enriched nano-oxides in COS-1 exhibit higher number density and smaller size than in COS-2. The Y-Ti-enriched nano-oxides in fine grains of COS-2 show higher number density and smaller size than that in coarse grains of COS-2. Nano-oxides effectively trap helium atoms and lead to the formation of high density and ultra-fine helium bubbles.