Microstructure and mechanical properties of multi-component nano oxide-dispersion strengthened RAFM steel fabricated via laser powder bed fusion

Y4Zr3O12 multi-component nanoparticles prepared by sol-gel method were adsorbed on the surface of gasatomized reduced activation ferritic/martensitic (RAFM) steel powder. This mixture powder was then utilized in the fabrication of oxide-dispersion strengthened (ODS) RAFM steel through laser powder bed fusion. The microstructure of the ODS RAFM steel comprised a combination of columnar ferrite grains and martensitic laths. The Y4Zr3O12 nanoparticles were homogeneously distributed in the matrix, with an average size of 36.3 nm and a high density of 2.49 x 1020/m3. The results of the mechanical properties tests revealed that the additively manufactured ODS RAFM steel exhibited a good balance of strength and elongation.