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Title: Heterogeneous dislocation loop formation near grain boundaries in a neutron-irradiated commercial FeCrAl alloy

Journal Article · · Journal of Nuclear Materials

FeCrAl alloys are an attractive materials class for nuclear power applications due to their increased environmental compatibility over more traditional nuclear materials. Preliminary studies into the radiation tolerance of FeCrAl alloys under accelerated neutron testing between 300-400 °C have shown post-irradiation microstructures containing dislocation loops and Cr-rich ' phase. Although these initial works established the post-irradiation microstructures, little to no focus was applied towards the influence of pre-irradiation microstructures on this response. Here, a well annealed commercial FeCrAl alloy, Alkrothal 720, was neutron irradiated to 1.8 dpa at 382 °C and then the role of random high angle grain boundaries on the spatial distribution and size of dislocation loops, dislocation loops, and black dot damage was analyzed using on-zone scanning transmission electron microscopy. Results showed a clear heterogeneous dislocation loop formation with dislocation loops showing an increased number density and size, black dot damage showing a significant number density decrease, and an increased size of dislocation loops in the vicinity directly adjacent to the grain boundary. Lastly, these results suggest the importance of the pre-irradiation microstructure on the radiation tolerance of FeCrAl alloys.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States). High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC05-00OR22725
OSTI ID:
1333089
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1414020
Journal Information:
Journal of Nuclear Materials, Vol. 483, Issue C; ISSN 0022-3115
Publisher:
ElsevierCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 37 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

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Automated defect analysis in electron microscopic images journal July 2018