Effect of yttria addition on the microstructure and mechanical behavior of ODS ferritic alloys processed by High Energy Milling and Spark Plasma Sintering

Oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) ferritic alloys are structural materials used in nuclear fusion reactors, which exhibit enhanced mechanical properties, as well as corrosion and irradiation resistance. In the present work, ODS ferritic alloys with composition Fe-14Cr-1.5W-0.4Ti-(0, 0.4, 0.8) Y2O3 (in wt.%) were prepared employing high energy milling (HEM) followed by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS). The particle size distribution (PSD) of the milled powders was characterized by laser diffraction. These powders and the sintered materials produced were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The sintered materials were also characterized by dilatometry, diametral compression, Vickers microhardness, and corrosion rate tests. The largest Young’s modulus, microhardness, and dimensional shrinkage/expansion were obtained for the 0.8 wt.% Y2O3 alloy. However, this alloy was the least ductile. Furthermore, the 0.8 wt.% Y2O3 alloy was the one with the least dimensional change. According to the potentiodynamic polarization studies, it was found that the protective layer of Cr2O3 formed on the surface of the three alloys studied was less effective for the yttria-free alloy, since in this case the rupture of such protective layer occurred earlier than for the case of the yttria-containing alloys. Based on these results, it is suggested that the 0.8 wt.% Y2O3 alloy having fine microstructure could constitute a potential alternative as a structural material for Gen IV-type reactors.