Mechanical Characteristics of Additively Manufactured ODS 316L and 316H Alloys with and Without Post-build Processing

Journal Article · Mon Apr 07 00:00:00 EDT 2025 · JOM. Journal of the Minerals, Metals & Materials Society

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-025-07336-9· OSTI ID:3002866

Byun, Thak Sang ^[1]; Lin, Yan-Ru ^[1]; Collins, David A. ^[1]; Hyer, Holden C. ^[1]; Epps, Kelsey ^[1]; Krogh, Kara ^[2]

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1. Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
2. North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC (United States)

This research aims to explore an accelerated development path for oxide dispersion-strengthened (ODS) alloys by integrating additive manufacturing (AM) technologies with recent advances in ODS materials and traditional manufacturing methods. Novel AM and post-build processing routes have been developed for ODS austenitic alloys, specifically Fe-Cr-Ni alloys like 316L and 316H. Electron microscopy and mechanical characterizations were conducted to evaluate the effects of process variables on microstructure and properties, aiming for an economically feasible route property optimization. Traditionally, ODS alloy production involves multi-day high-energy mechanical milling of alloy powder with yttria (Y₂O₃) followed by powder consolidation via extrusion or other methods and additional thermomechanical processing (TMP) for property control. Here, to address these challenges associated with this complex and costly approach, we propose exploring alternative, cost-effective processing routes focusing on AM and traditional TMP methods. The new ODS alloy processing routes have achieved up to a 400% increase in yield strength and a 60% increase in ultimate tensile strength compared to wrought stainless steels while still maintaining significant ductility and fracture toughness. This paper details the novel and economical AM-based processing routes for ODS austenitic alloys, combined with post-build TMPs, and discusses the mechanical and microstructural characteristics of the developed materials.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Energy Efficiency Office. Advanced Materials & Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO); USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Fusion Energy Sciences (FES)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC05-00OR22725
• OSTI ID: 3002866
• Journal Information: JOM. Journal of the Minerals, Metals & Materials Society, Journal Name: JOM. Journal of the Minerals, Metals & Materials Society Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 77; ISSN 1047-4838; ISSN 1543-1851
• Publisher: Springer
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English