Thermomechanical Processing for Improved Mechanical Properties of HT9 Steels

Byun, Thak Sang; Collins, David A.; Lach, Timothy G.; Choi, Jung Pyung; Maloy, Stuart A.

doi:10.3390/ma17153803

Thermomechanical Processing for Improved Mechanical Properties of HT9 Steels

Journal Article · Thu Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 2024 · Materials

DOI:https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17153803· OSTI ID:2439010

^[1]; Collins, David A. ^[1]; ^[1]; Choi, Jung Pyung ^[2]; ^[2]

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)

Thermomechanical processing (TMP) of ferritic–martensitic (FM) steels, such as HT9 (Fe–12Cr–1MoWV) steels, involves normalizing, quenching, and tempering to create a microstructure of fine ferritic/martensitic laths with carbide precipitates. HT9 steels are used in fast reactor core components due to their high-temperature strength and resistance to irradiation damage. However, traditional TMP methods for these steels often result in performance limitations under irradiation, including embrittlement at low temperatures (<~430 °C), insufficient strength and toughness at higher temperatures (>500 °C), and void swelling after high-dose irradiation (>200 dpa). This research aimed to enhance both fracture toughness and strength at high temperatures by creating a quenched and tempered martensitic structure with ultrafine laths and precipitates through rapid quenching and unconventional tempering. Mechanical testing revealed significant variations in strength and fracture toughness depending on the processing route, particularly the tempering conditions. Tailored TMP approaches, combining rapid quenching with limited tempering, elevated strength to levels comparable to nano-oxide strengthened ferritic alloys while preserving fracture toughness. For optimal properties in high-Cr steels for future reactor applications, this study recommends a modified tempering treatment, i.e., post-quench annealing at 500 °C or 600 °C for 1 h, possibly followed by a brief tempering at a slightly higher temperature.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC05-00OR22725; AC05-76RL01830

OSTI ID:: 2439010

Alternate ID(s):: OSTI ID: 2482238

Report Number(s):: PNNL-SA--202545

Journal Information:: Materials, Journal Name: Materials Journal Issue: 15 Vol. 17; ISSN 1996-1944

Publisher:: MDPICopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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