Tube manufacturing and characterization of oxide dispersion strengthened ferritic steels

Oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) ferritic steels have an advantage in ra diation resistance and superior creep rupture strength at elevated temperat ure due to finely distributed Y2O3 particles in the ferritic matrix. Using a basic composition of low activation ferritic steel (Fe-12Cr-2W-0.05C), cl adding tube manufacturing by means of pilger mill rolling and subsequent re crystallization heat-treatment was conducted while varying titanium and ytt ria contents. The recrystallization heat-treatment, to soften the tubes har dened due to cold-rolling and to subsequently improve the degraded mechanic al properties, was demonstrated to be effective in the course of tube manuf acturing. For a titanium content of 0.3 wt% and yttria of 0.25 wt%, improve ment of the creep rupture strength can be attained for the manufactured cla dding tubes. The ductility is also adequately maintained. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.