Effect of Thermal Aging on the Mechanical Properties of Austenitic and Ferritic/Martensitic Stainless Steels Manufactured by PM HIP and Traditional Technologies

摘要

The results of comparative research of the tensile properties and microstructure of the stainless steel cladding tubes fabricated by PM HIP and traditional technologies after thermal aging at 600 and 700°C are presented. The cladding fuel tubes of the type AISI 316 austenitic stainless steel and ferritic/martensitic steel were tested. The ring tensile tests of specimens cut from cladding tubes were performed at room temperature. The microstructure and the carbon and boron distribution in the traditional hot forged semi-finished products, PM HIP compacts and claddings were examined by autoradiography on carbon and boron. The rapidly quenched powders of the investigated steels were produced by plasma rotating electrode process. Retention of the positive effect of PM HIP-technology on the room temperature tensile properties of the investigated steels after thermal aging was established. Correlation of the homogeneity of carbon and boron distribution with the mechanical properties of investigated steels was revealed.