Reduced activation Fe-Cr-Mn austenitic steels for nuclear power plants

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Abstract
The structure and mechanical properties of candidate materials for nuclear power plants, namely, reduced activation chromium-manganese steels, grade Cr12Mn20W, are investigated, including mechanical properties of weld joints and seams just after the welding process and after additional aging at 400 and 600°C. The investigated steels are characterized by high values of strength properties irrespective of the carbon content. The ultimate strength and yield stress of the weld seam metal are higher than the respective properties of the weld joint. Destruction of nearly all samples arranged with weld joints occurs in the parent metal. Extended holding at the temperature of 400°C for 5000 h actually does not affect the mechanical properties and does not result in a decrease in the material ductility irrespective of the carbon content. Holding at 600°C for over 100 h results in a decrease in elasticity of both the parent metal and the weld joint. Carbides of M23C6 type are evolved in aging, mainly at the grain boundaries. Formation of σ-phase was not observed in the aged samples. The tendency of the steels to form hot cracks upon welding is significantly decreased when the carbon content is decreased. The best combination of strength and elasticity, esspecially at low temperatures, is observed for steel, grade 10Cr12Mn20W.

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