Microstructure and tensile properties of nano-sized ZrC particle strengthened RAFM steels

Reduced activation ferritic/martensitic (RAFM) steels containing ZrC nano particles (ZrC-RAFM steels) were prepared by a combination of spark plasma sintering (SPS) and hot-rolling of the mechanical alloyed powders. Moreover, the microstructure and tensile properties of the prepared ZrC-RAFM steels were investigated. The results show that the ZrC nano particles are uniformly dispersed in the RAFM steels, resulting in a significant decrease in grain size and the enhanced tensile properties of the steels. With the increase of ZrC content, the hardness and tensile strength of the steels are improved, and the mechanism of the improved properties is analyzed and discussed. The tensile strength of the 0.75ZrC-RAFM steel is 2069 MPa, which is 19.6% higher than that (1730 MPa) of the RAFM steel without ZrC. The conclusions provide researchers with the roles of ZrC-nanoparticle in micromorphology and tensile properties of the RAFM steel as potential cladding materials for fast reactors.