Microstructure characteristics and properties of yttrium-bearing 9Cr ferritic-martensitic steel cladding tubes

Thin wall cladding tubes of yttrium-bearing 9Cr ferritic-martensitic steel have been fabricated by cold-rolling process, with the final dimensions of 6 mm outer diameter, 0.5 mm thickness and 3 m length. The changes of microstructure of hot-rolled plate, forged rod and the final tubes were attributed to the cold-rolling process and the intermediate heat treatment. Mechanical properties were tested from room temperature to 600 °C. The final tubes showed the strength level between the traditional ferritic-martensitic steel and the metallurgy alloyed oxide dispersion strengthened steel. It was also found that the degradation of ductility at 400 °C was related to the dynamic strain ageing (DSA) effect. At last, ultra-sound test, flattening test and flaring test were carried out to evaluated the qualities of the final tubes.