Plasticity of alloys strengthened with nano-precipitation

As part of the development of the new generation of nuclear power plant, especially sodium-cooled fast reactors (SFR), oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steels are considered as potential candidates for cladding materials. Their main advantages are their excellent dimensional stability under irradiation, thanks to their body centered cubic structure, and their high thermal creep resistance due to the nano-particles. The aim of this work is to understand the plasticity of such materials through a multiscale approach. First, the microstructure of 9% and 14% Cr ODS steels has been finely characterized. Then, their mechanical behavior has been studied through tensile tests and creep tests. In addition, in situ Transmission Electron Microscopy straining experiments have been carried out to observe the dynamic behavior at a finer scale. This work emphasizes an evolution of the deformation and damage mechanisms with temperature. At room temperature, a mechanism with a strong intragranular contribution is noticed. At high temperature, an increase in the intergranular component has been pointed out. Consequently, it leads to more severe damage. Finally, the hardening role of the precipitates on the mechanical properties and the plasticity has been evaluated thanks to a 'model' material, without precipitate. (author)