The influence of Au-ion irradiation on the microstructure and lead-bismuth eutectic corrosion resistance of 12Cr ferritic/martensitic steel

Abstract This study systematically investigated the influence of Au-ion irradiation (at damage doses of 5, 25, and 50 dpa) on the microstructure and lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) corrosion resistance of 12Cr ferritic/martensitic steels. The results indicated that irradiation induced the formation of numerous dislocation loops and high-density dislocation networks, along with significant irradiation-induced hardening. In addition, the irradiation-induced amorphization of M 23 C 6 precipitates was also observed. Following exposure to LBE, the duplex-layer oxide structure of the 12Cr F/M steels remained unchanged by irradiation; however, the oxide layer thickness increased significantly. This increase was attributed to irradiation-induced defects, which can provide additional diffusion pathways that accelerated elemental diffusion.