Microstructure response and lead-bismuth eutectic corrosion behavior of 11Cr1Si ferritic/martensitic steel after Au-ion irradiation

The effect of Au-ion irradiation dose on microstructure evolution and lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) corrosion behavior of 11Cr1Si ferritic/martensitic (F/M) steels was investigated. The results showed that the dislocation loops gradually evolved into dislocation networks with the increase of irradiation dose, and irradiation-induced hardening was also observed. Moreover, irradiation accelerated the F/M steels corrosion in both three doses, and the possible role of irradiation damage on corrosion was also considered. •The effect of irradiation dose on microstructure evolution and LBE corrosion behavior of 11Cr1Si F/M steels was investigated.•The hardening effect of 11Cr1Si F/M steels depended strongly on irradiation dose.•The mechanism of irradiation accelerated corrosion in 11Cr1Si F/M steels was elucidated.