Reduced activation ferritic-martensitic (RAFM) steels display low-level radioactivity after their lifetime and have been considered for applications in fusion technology as structural materials. Unique properties such as good mechanical strength at high temperatures, good formability, high toughness and good oxidation resistance are found in these steels. Upon air cooling, they form a soft martensite (around 20 Rockwell C) when heated above the A1 temperature. These steels are usually employed in the as-tempered condition. This class of steels has a very refined microstructure that varies from fully martensitic to fully ferritic. To improve creep strength, this structure can be strengthened by a fine dispersion of particles (Y-based compounds and M23C6-type carbides). The main characteristics of these steels will be presented and discussed in the present paper.
EUROFER; ODS-EUROFER; ITER; Nuclear Fusion
