Mechanical characterization of two low-activation chromium alloys in as-received and heat-treated conditions

In recent years, programmes, attention has been devoted to the characteriza tion of Chromium (Cr) alloys, in view of their elevated corrosion resistanc e, low activation properties and high-temperature mechanical strength. As part of the European Fusion Programme, an activity has been launched in 1999 with the aim of exploring the potential of Cr alloys as structural mat erials in fusion reactors, for example, as first wall or blanket materials. Recent investigations have focused attention on two commercially available materials: high-purity 99.7% Cr (DUCROPUR) and Cr alloyed with 5% Fe and 1% Y2O3 (DUCROLLOY), both of which have shown excellent low activation charact eristics. The mechanical properties of these two alloys, in both as-received and heat -treated conditions, have been characterized at SCK . CEN by means or tensi le, instrumented impact and static three-point bend tests, using standard a nd sub-size specimens. Tensile tests have also been carried out on samples irradiated at 300 degreesC in the BR2 reactor in Mol up to an accumulated d ose of about 0.5 dpa.