Evidence of radiation induced segregation clustering in binary ferritic model alloys

This study investigates the microstructural changes and hardening mechanisms in irradiated binary Fe-Mn and Fe-Ni model alloys using atom probe tomography (APT). Mn and Ni are key alloying elements in reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steels, enhancing hardenability and mechanical properties while increasing irradiation sensitivity. Neutron irradiation introduces point defects that lead to solute clustering, impacting the mechanical properties of the materials. APT analysis reveals and quantifies the formation of Mn and Ni clusters, which act as barriers to dislocation motion and contribute to irradiation hardening. This research isolates the individual behavior of Mn and Ni by studying undersaturated binary model alloys, providing detailed insights into the mechanisms of radiation-induced segregation and nanoscale solute clustering and these effect on hardening.