Reduced activation ferritic alloys for fusion

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Abstract
Reduced activation Martensitic alloys can now be developed with properties similar to commercial counterparts, and oxide dispersion strengthened alloys are under consideration. However, low chromium Bainitic alloys with vanadium additions undergo severe irradiation hardening at low irradiation temperatures and excessive softening at high temperatures, resulting in a very restricted application window. Manganese additions result in excessive embrittlement, as demonstrated by post-irradiation Charpy impact testing. The best composition range for Martensitic alloys appears to be at 7 to 9 Cr and 2 W, with swelling of minor concern and low temperature irradiation embrittlement perhaps eliminated. Therefore, Martensitic reduced activation steels in the 7 to 9 Cr range should be considered leading contenders for structural materials applications in power-producing fusion machines.