Speaker
Description
Improving known materials and exploring new alternatives for applications in challenging energy environments, such as fusion, has been a priority in recent years in material science. A unique combination of corrosion resistance, toughness, strength, machinability, and wear resistance is required for materials used in energy sector applications. In recent years, a process called cryogenic processing (a cost-effective and environmentally friendly technology) has emerged as an additional step in the heat treatment of various ferrous and non-ferrous alloys, offering improvements in various properties which, despite its long history, has only recently begun to develop actively. Cryogenic processing involves subjecting materials to temperatures below 273 K. There are 3 known cryogenic processing technologies conventional (CT in the range 273-193 K), shallow (SCT in the range 193-113 K), and deep (DCT below 113 K). For most applications of cryogenic processing liquid nitrogen is usually used (77 K). Cryogenic processing technology fundamentally changes material´s properties (hardness, toughness, strength, ductility, corrosive and wear resistance, etc.) through the leading mechanisms of improved austenite transformation into martensite and increased carbide precipitation. In our study, we attempt to achieve the optimised microstructure, modified residual stress state, corrosion resistance, modified magnetic and surface properties of Eurofer in combination with DCT in response to the increasing demand for material improvement in fusion applications. In conclusion, this study shows that DCT is an effective microstructural modification tool, but its influence on the final mechanical properties is strongly correlated with the alloying dynamic (in-situ SPEM observations), initial microstructure, and heat treatment parameters of Eurofer.
| Submitters Country | Germany |
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