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Title: Microstructural characterization of irradiated PWR steels using the atom probe field-ion microscope

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6104817

Atom probe field-ion microscopy has been used to characterize the microstructure of a neutron-irradiated A533B pressure vessel steel weld. The atomic spatial resolution of this technique permits a complete structural and chemical description of the ultra-fine features that control the mechanical properties to be made. A variety of fine scale features including roughly spherical copper precipitates and clusters, spherical and rod-shaped molybdenum carbide and disc-shaped molybdenum nitride precipitates were observed to be inhomogeneously distributed in the ferrite. The copper content of the ferrite was substantially reduced from the nominal level. A thin film of molybdenum carbides and nitrides was observed on grain boundaries in addition to a coarse copper-manganese precipitate. Substantial enrichment of manganese and nickel were detected at the copper-manganese precipitate-ferrite interface and this enrichment extended into the ferrite. Enrichment of nickel, manganese and phosphorus were also measured at grain boundaries.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA); Pittsburgh Univ., PA (USA). Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
6104817
Report Number(s):
CONF-870839-4; ON: DE88000341; TRN: 87-035091
Resource Relation:
Conference: 3. international symposium on environmental degradation of materials in nuclear power systems: water reactors, Traverse City, MI, USA, 30 Aug 1987; Other Information: Paper copy only, copy does not permit microfiche production
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English