Ductile ultrastrong China low activation martensitic steel with lamellar grain structure

Abstract

The low high-temperature mechanical properties of reduced activated ferrite martensitic (RAFM) heat-resistant steels limit the maximum operating temperature of nuclear fusion reactors. However, it is difficult to improve the strength of the material without reducing its plasticity. In this study we prepared a China low activation martensitic (CLAM) steel with a layered structure through hot rolling followed by low-temperature tempering, which successfully improved its strength and ductility. In addition, we elucidate the ductility mechanisms in such lamellar structural materials. When the strength of the grain boundaries exceeds that of the grains, cracks will continuously extend along the layered grain boundaries, eventually resulting in a delamination fracture mechanism. When the grain strength exceeds that of the grain boundaries, cracks will continuously form through the relative sliding of the grain boundaries, and a large number of small cracks will initiate and propagate longitudinally along the layered boundaries. Both forms of crack propagation cause longitudinal expansion along the layered grain boundaries. The resulting longitudinal extension of cracks markedly diminishes local stress concentration to promote plastic deformation, thereby significantly increasing the ductility of the material. Employing the combination of this delamination ductility mechanism with interface strengthening and precipitation strengthening, the strength of the CLAM steel for nuclear applications is shown to be enhanced by ∼30 % without loss of elongation. The current delamination ductility strategy provides a unique pathway to develop materials with ultrahigh strength and superior ductility at economical material costs.