Microstructural Evolution and High‐Temperature Tensile Properties of 15Cr‐Reduced Activation Ferritic Steel Processed by Hot Powder Forging of Mechanically Alloyed Powders

Reduced activation ferritic steels are being explored as possible cladding tube materials for nuclear reactors because of their low activation and excellent irradiation resistance. In the current investigation, reduced activation ferritic steel (Fe–15Cr–2W) is processed by mechanical alloying of elemental powders followed by hot powder forging. Mechanical alloying is carried out in a Simoloyer attritor mill (Zoz GmbH), after which the powders are placed in a mild steel can and forged at 1200 °C in H2 atmosphere. X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigation reveal that 10 h of mechanical alloying is required to achieve complete dissolution of Cr and W in the Fe matrix powder. The relative density and hardness distribution of the forged slab is evaluated in longitudinal as well as transverse direction to optimize the powder forging operation. Electron backscatter diffraction analysis showed dynamic recrystallization to take place during the course of hot powder forging. Tensile tests are performed at room temperature as well as at elevated temperatures (600 and 700 °C). The yield strength and ultimate tensile strength at room temperature as well as at elevated temperatures are found to be higher than those reported in literature for reduced activation ferritic steels consolidated by other techniques. This study gives an insight into the effect of mechanical alloying and powder forging on microstructure and tensile properties of reduced activation ferritic steel. The optimization of mechanical alloying and powder forging is discussed along with high‐temperature deformation behavior of the obtained powder‐forged steel.