SANS and TEM of ferritic–martensitic steel T91 irradiated in FFTF up to 184 dpa at 413 °C

Abstract Ferritic–martensitic steel T91 was previously irradiated in the Materials Open Test Assembly (MOTA) program of the Fast Flux Test Reactor Facility (FFTF) at 413 °C up to 184 dpa. The microstructure was analyzed by small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Both SANS and TEM revealed a large fraction of voids with an average size of 29–32 nm leading to a calculated void swelling of 1.2–1.6% based on the volume fraction of the voids in the sample. SANS gave no indication of second phase particles having formed under irradiation in the material. Using TEM, one zone was found where a few G-phase particles were analyzed. Quantities were however too low to state reliable particle densities. No alpha prime (α′) or Laves phase were observed in any of the investigated zones.