RESUMO
The properties of oxide dispersion-strengthened steels are highly dependent on the nature and size distribution of their constituting nano-oxide precipitates. A fine control of the processes of synthesis would enable the optimization of pertinent properties for use in various energy systems. This control, however, requires knowledge of the precise mechanisms of nucleation and growth of the nanoprecipitates, which are still a matter of debate. In the present study, nano-oxide precipitates were produced via the implantation of Y, Ti, and O ions in two different sequential orders in an Fe-10%Cr matrix that was subsequently thermally annealed. The results show that the oxides that precipitate are not necessarily favoured thermodynamically, but rather result from complex kinetics aspects related to the interaction between the implanted elements and induced defects. When Y is implanted first, the formation of nanoprecipitates with characteristics similar to those in conventionally produced ODS steels, especially with a core/shell structure, is evidenced. In contrast, when implantation starts with Ti, the precipitation of yttria during subsequent high-temperature annealing is totally suppressed, and corundum Cr2O3 precipitates instead. Moreover, the systematic involvement of {110} matrix planes in orientation relationships with the precipitates, independently of the precipitate nature, suggests matrix restriction effects on the early stages of precipitation.
RESUMO
The intermediate voltage electron microscope-tandem user facility in the Electron Microscopy Center at Argonne National Laboratory is described. The primary purpose of this facility is electron microscopy with in situ ion irradiation at controlled sample temperatures. To illustrate its capabilities and advantages a few results of two outside user projects are presented. The motion of dislocation loops formed during ion irradiation is illustrated in video data that reveals a striking reduction of motion in Fe-8%Cr over that in pure Fe. The development of extended defect structure is then shown to depend on this motion and the influence of nearby surfaces in the transmission electron microscopy thin samples. In a second project, the damage microstructure is followed to high dose (200 dpa) in an oxide dispersion strengthened ferritic alloy at 500 degrees C, and found to be qualitatively similar to that observed in the same alloy neutron irradiated at 420 degrees C.