Particle stability in model ODS steel irradiated up to 100 dpa at 600 °C: TEM and nano-indentation investigation

• Published in: Journal of nuclear materials Vol. 426; no. 1-3; pp. 240 - 246
• Main Authors: ROBERTSON, C, PANIGRAHI, B. K, BALAJI, S, KATARIA, S, SERRUYS, Y, MATHON, M.-H, SUNDAR, C. S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier 01.07.2012
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Controled nuclear fusion plants; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; Fission nuclear power plants; Fuels; Installations for energy generation and conversion: thermal and electrical energy; Nuclear fuels; Particle size; Iron; High temperature; Steel; Defect cluster; Dispersion; Nuclear reactor
• ISSN: 0022-3115; 1873-4820
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jnucmat.2012.04.001

This paper is an experimental investigation of high temperature-dose stability of yttria particle dispersions in pure Fe matrix. Irradiation experiments were performed using single Fe and dual Fe and He ion beams, up to 100 dpa/360 appm He at 600 [deg]C. Irradiation-induced evolutions are investigated by means of TEM observations, in combination with nano-indentation measurements. Particle stability at 600 [deg]C is directly confirmed, up to 25 dpa/40 ppm He, while pronounced evolution of particle size distribution is evidenced at 80 dpa/360 ppm He. Diminution of particle density and particle coarsening is reflected in a significant evolution of the nano-indentation response. The change in the micro-mechanical evolution is ascribed to enhanced strain localization, associated with irradiation-induced particle size changes. Radiation-induced defect cluster and void formation are not detectable using TEM observations, in the whole investigated temperature/dose domain. Specific effect of implanted He is the augmentation of the micro-mechanical yields stress.