Numéro |
J. Phys. IV France
Volume 12, Numéro 8, September 2002
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Page(s) | 103 - 120 | |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.1051/jp4:20020327 |
J. Phys. IV France 12 (2002) Pr8-103
DOI: 10.1051/jp4:20020327
Tensile properties and microstructure of 9Cr-1Mo martensitic steels containing a high helium concentration
J. Henry1, P. Jung2, J. Chen2 and J.-C. Brachet11 CEA/Saclay, Service de Recherches Métallurgiques Appliquées, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette cedex, France
2 Institut für Festkörperforschung, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
Abstract
Tensile tests and microstructural examinations were performed on 100
m thick
specimens of 9Cr-1Mo (EM10) and modified 9Cr-1Mo (T91) martensitic steels homogeneously
implanted with 23 MeV
particles to a concentration of 5000 appm. Two implantation
temperatures were selected, 250 and 550°C, which correspond respectively to the lower (higher)
bound of the operation temperature range foreseen for the window of Accelerator Driven Systems
devoted to waste transmutation. 250°C is also the maximum operating temperature of the ESS
(European Spallation Source) window. The specimens were tested at room and implantation
temperatures and the fracture surfaces were characterized using scanning electron microscopy. It
was found that implantation at 250°C induces a very strong hardening of both materials together
with a total loss of ductility. Embrittlement was also observed for the specimens implanted at
550°C, however the ductility loss was much less severe. Preliminary Transmission Electron
Microscopy (TEM) observations are presented. Helium bubbles were observed in the specimens
implanted at 550°C but none could be detected in the samples implanted at the lower temperature.
However, based on results of Small Angle Neutron Scattering experiments performed on samples
implanted together with the tensile specimens, it is proposed that the high degree of hardening
following implantation at 250°C is due to the formation of a high density of tiny helium bubbles.
It
is furthermore suggested that the brittle, intergranular fracture mode displayed by these
specimens
results from the combined effects of pronounced intragranular hardening and weakening of Prior
Austenite Grain (PAG) boundaries due to helium.
© EDP Sciences 2002