Embrittlement of RAFM EUROFER97 by implanted hydrogen

About 380 μm thick specimens of low-activation martensitic stainless steel EUROFER97 were homogeneously implanted with protons below about 70 °C to concentrations up to about 1200 appm. Tensile tests were performed at 25 and 200 °C. The tests at 25 °C showed an increase of yield stress and ultimate tensile strength and a decrease of uniform elongation and elongation to fracture, while effects at 200 °C were strongly reduced. Scanning electron microscopy showed virtually no change of the ductile, transgranular fracture mode by the implanted H. A slight decrease of necking was observed only at the highest concentrations. The results are compared to previous measurements on F82H-mod and to literature results on tensile tests after He implantation and neutron irradiation. F82H-mod specimens were also implanted under applied tensile stress to concentrations up to 1900 appm. Straining was ascribed to accumulation of atomic defects, but no fracturing occurred. Thermal desorption measurements are included on H-implanted and tensile tested F82H-mod specimens. The results show significant data scatter, even within one specimen, with the highest measured values being in accordance with the implanted amount. In general, the H content is decreased after testing at higher temperatures, but even after testing at 350 °C, some specimens contain significant amounts.