Microstructural evolution of neutron-irradiated T91 and NF616 to ∼4.3 dpa at 469 °C

L. Tan, B. K. Kim, Y. Yang, K. G. Field, S. Gray, M. Li

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

33 Scopus citations

Abstract

Ferritic-martensitic steels such as T91 and NF616 are candidate materials for several nuclear applications. This study evaluates radiation resistance of T91 and NF616 by examining their microstructural evolutions and hardening after the samples were irradiated in the Advanced Test Reactor to ∼4.3 displacements per atom (dpa) at an as-run temperature of 469 °C. In general, this irradiation did not result in significant difference in the radiation-induced microstructures between the two steels. Compared to NF616, T91 had a higher number density of dislocation loops and a lower level of radiation-induced segregation, together with a slightly higher radiation-hardening. Unlike dislocation loops developed in both steels, radiation-induced cavities were only observed in T91 but remained small with sub-10 nm sizes. Other than the relatively stable M23C6, a new phase (likely Sigma phase) was observed in T91 and radiation-enhanced MX → Z phase transformation was identified in NF616. Laves phase was not observed in the samples.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)12-20
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Nuclear Materials
Volume493
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2017

Funding

This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy, a Nuclear Energy Enabling Technologies FY2013 Award and the Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program, under contract number DE-AC05-00OR22725. The DOE Office of Nuclear Energy Nuclear Science User Facility is appreciated for providing the irradiated samples.

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Microstructural evolution of neutron-irradiated T91 and NF616 to ∼4.3 dpa at 469 °C'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this