Effects of helium implantation on creep rupture properties of low activation ferritic steel F82HIEA heat

Thin plate specimens of a low activation ferritic steel, F82H IEA, were cyc lotron-implanted with helium at 823 K to concentrations of 100 and 300 appm . Creep rupture properties were subsequently measured at the same temperatu re and were compared with those from unimplanted controls. No meaningful de terioration by helium was discerned in terms of both creep rupture time and elongation. In addition, the fracture surface remained transgranular and d uctile after helium implantation, and no indication of grain boundary failu re induced by helium was detected. These results would suggest good resista nce of this material toward helium embrittlement. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.