New insights into the structure of ODS particles in the ODS-Eurofer alloy

An oxide dispersion-strengthened alloy with 0.35% yttrium oxide produced on the basis of Eurofer steel was characterised by analytical transmission electron microscopy using a 1 nm probe size and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis as well as electron energy loss spectroscopy. According to the analytical results, the ODS particles detected consist of two phases. Formation of a thin V-Cr-O-containing shell of 0.5-1.5 nm thickness around each ODS particle and presence of 5-12% Mn inside the Y(2)O(3) phase were detected. This study suggests that the chemical composition of ODS particles and, hence, their dispersion might be influenced by minor alloying elements contained in the main matrix. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.