Microstructure and mechanical properties of ultrafine-grained Fe–14Cr and ODS Fe–14Cr model alloys

Reduced activation ferritic Fe–14 wt%Cr and Fe–14 wt%Cr–0.3 wt%Y2O3 alloys were produced by mechanical alloying and hot isostatic pressing followed by forging and heat treating. The alloy containing Y2O3 developed a submicron-grained structure with homogeneous dispersion of oxide nanoparticles that enhanced the tensile properties in comparison to the Y2O3 free alloy. Strengthening induced by the Y2O3 dispersion appears to be effective up to 873 K, at least. A uniform distribution of Cr-rich precipitates, stable upon a heat treatment at 1123 K for 2 h, was also found in both alloys.