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Microstructure Optimization and Novel Processing Development of ODS Steels for Fusion Environments (Final ARPA-E Report)

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/3000256· OSTI ID:3000256
 [1];  [1];  [2];  [3];  [3]
  1. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
  2. Ames Laboratory (AMES), Ames, IA (United States)
  3. North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC (United States)
This project aimed to develop scalable, cost-effective fabrication of high-performance, oxide- dispersion-strengthened (ODS) steel using advanced manufacturing methods (AMMs) for fusion blanket-breeding applications. Gas atomization reaction synthesis (GARS) enables the synthesis of precursor ODS steel powders without prolonged mechanical alloying. This process creates a chromium (Cr)-enriched surface oxide with yttrium/titanium (Y/Ti)-enriched intermetallics in powder interiors. GARS powders were consolidated to >99% of the theoretical density using a first-of-a-kind shear assisted processing and extrusion (ShAPE) and laser-based powder bed fusion (L-PBF) AM processes. These processes led to ODS steels containing a high-density of nano-oxide dispersoids that enhance high-temperature mechanical properties. Such scalable, cost-effective fabrication of ODS steels can enable efficient power conversion cycles (=40%) at operating temperatures beyond 900 K in future fusion power plants.
Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States); Ames Laboratory (AMES), Ames, IA (United States); Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States). Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Biological and Environmental Research (BER)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-76RL01830; AC02-07CH11358
OSTI ID:
3000256
Report Number(s):
PNNL--36759
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English