Ab initio simulation of yttrium oxide nanocluster formation on fcc Fe lattice

Using results of density functional theory (DFT) calculations the first attempt towards the understanding of Y₂O₃ particles formation in oxide dispersed strengthened (ODS) ferritic-martensitic steels was performed. The present work includes modeling of single defects (O impurity atom, Fe vacancy and Y substitute atom), interaction between substituted Y atoms, Y-Fe vacancy pairs and oxygen impurity atoms in the iron matrix. The calculations have showed the repulsive interaction between the two Y substitute atoms at any separation distances that might mean that the oxygen atoms or O atoms with vacancies are required to form binding between atoms in the yttrium oxide nanoclusters.