Assessment of ODS-14%Cr ferritic alloy for high temperature applications

The present paper evaluates the mechanical behaviour of the ODS-ferritic alloy, Fe-14Cr-1Ti-0.25Y(2)O(3) (MA957), produced with two microstructures characterized by different grain sizes and degree of crystallographic texture. Tensile, creep and impact properties were found to be strongly dependent on the metallurgical condition. The neutron irradiation behaviour was also investigated. For this purpose, irradiation experiments were performed at 325 degreesC for various dose levels. The specimens of ODS-ferritic steel irradiated up to 6 dpa exhibited a lower irradiation-induced hardening and higher ductility values compared to conventional martensitic steels irradiated in the same conditions. The occurrence of alpha' precipitation was detected using small angle neutron scattering techniques. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier B.V.