Advanced Additive Manufacturing of Y2O3-Enhanced Dispersion Strengthened Steel

Oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) alloys represent a cutting-edge solution for high-temperature applications, with enhanced mechanical properties achieved through the fine dispersion of oxide particles in a metallic matrix. These alloys are critical in industries such as gas turbines and nuclear reactors, where materials must withstand high temperatures and have high strength and creep resistance. Yttria oxide (Y2O3) is particularly effective in distributing nano-scale oxide particles, significantly enhancing the material’s thermal stability, oxidation resistance, and overall strength. Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, such as selective laser melting (SLM), offer a novel route to streamline ODS steel production, allowing for efficient, complex component fabrication with improved control over material properties. This paper explores the role of Y2O3 in strengthening ODS steel and highlights the potential of AM techniques to revolutionize ODS manufacturing. A case study on the fabrication of 316L stainless steel with varying Y2O3 content using SLM is also reviewed, emphasizing the benefits and challenges of integrating Y2O3 in the AM process.