γ→α’ Martensitic Transformation in the Reactor Steels Under Irradiation and Deformation

Abstract

Complex studies of the 12Cr18Ni10Ti and Cr15Mn14 reactor steels in the initial, deformed states, and after irradiation with the 8436Kr+14 and WC+ heavy ions were conducted. Peculiarities of the α'-martensite phase content and mechanical characteristics of the specimens, which were deformed after the irradiation were examined. It was shown that the martensite phase existed in the irradiated and deformed specimen at two scale levels. Electron Backscattered Diffraction (EBSD) revealed that the difference between the unirradiated and irradiated specimens was the formation of the α'-martensite and ε-martensite in the near surface layer of the irradiated specimen. It was determined that the fluence value has affect on the α'-magnetic phase. Thus, chrome-nickel steels of 12Cr18Ni10Ti type show better resistance to irradiation with the heavy WC+ ions in comparison with manganese steel of Cr15Mn14 type, as less martensite of irradiation forms in them.