Nanoscale characterization of 13.5% Cr oxide dispersion strengthened steels with various titanium concentrations

The influence of titanium alloying (Ti content of 0, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 wt %) on the nanostructure of yttrium oxide (Y2O3) dispersion strengthened steel with a composition Fe-13.5% Cr-2% W-0.3% Y2O3 is investigated. The spatial distribution of chemical elements is analyzed in the investigated volumes. The matrix composition and average size and concentration of nanoscale clusters are compared for different samples. It is shown that the average nanocluster size (∼3 nm) is almost unchanged with increasing Ti concentration, while the cluster concentration grows from ∼1 × 1023 m−3 (for Ti-free steel) to ∼1.5 × 1024 m−3 (for 0.4 wt % Ti alloy).