Unusual thermal stability of nano-structured ferritic alloys

A scientific question vitally important to the materials community is whether there exist “self-assembled” nanoclusters that are thermodynamically stable at elevated temperatures. Using in situ neutron scattering, we have characterized the structure and thermal stability of a nano-structured ferritic alloy. Nanometer sized nanoclusters were found to persist up to ∼1400 °C, providing direct evidence of a thermodynamically stable alloying state for the nanoclusters. High-temperature neutron diffraction measurements show a stable ferritic matrix, with little evidence of recrystallization or grain growth at temperatures up to 1300 °C. This result suggests that thermally stable nanoclusters and the oxygen-vacancy interaction limit the diffusion of Fe atoms and hence the mobility of grain boundaries, stabilizing the microstructure of the ferritic matrix at high temperatures.

► A nanostructured steel is examined by in situ small angle neutron scattering and high-temperature neutron diffraction. ► A bi-modal particle size distribution is identified by small angle neutron scattering. ► The nanometer sized clusters are thermally stable up to 1400 °C. ► The microstructure of the material is stable at high-temperatures, with no evidence of recrystallization or grain growth.