Deuterium trapping mechanisms in reduced activation ferritic martensitic steels and their correlation with mechanical strengthening

Development of high-strength materials often involves introduction of additional strengthening microstructures that also serve as tritium trapping sites. Such additions in fusion material development could degrade the fuel efficiency in fusion reactors and raise radiological concerns. The contribution of individual microstructure features in hydrogen trapping must be evaluated to ensure fuel efficiency and radiological safety. This study explores the mechanistic origins of deuterium trapping in reduced-activation ferritic–martensitic steels and its correlation to mechanical strengthening. A series of model alloys and engineering steels were fabricated and subjected to different heat treatments to control deuterium trapping site density. Deuterium retention was evaluated using D₂ gas charging and thermal desorption spectroscopy, focusing on the role of grain boundary, dislocation, M₂₃C₆ precipitates, and TiC precipitates. Multiscale microstructure characterization and synchrotron X-ray diffraction were performed to characterize microstructure, which was correlated to the deuterium retention property. Results show that TiC precipitates exhibit the highest deuterium trapping capacity, followed by M₂₃C₆ precipitates. Dislocation and grain boundary demonstrate the lowest and similar efficiencies. The relationship of trapping quantity and mechanical strengthening of these microstructure features was quantified, demonstrating that TiC precipitates offer highest deuterium trapping per unit of mechanical strengthening.