Changes in Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Cr-Mo Reactor Vessel Steels During Long-Term Service

Abstract

Changes in microstructure and mechanical properties of 1Cr-0.5Mo and 2.25Cr-1Mo steels during long-term service have been investigated. The study includes inspection of a 1Cr-0.5Mo steel reactor vessel which operated for 20 yr and tests on specimens that had been exposed to service environments. The reactor vessel, exposed at 490 to 530°C for 170,000 hr (about 20yr), showed appreciable decrease in the room temperature yield strength, impact toughness and creep rupture strength compared with the original properties. The service exposure caused changes in carbide morphology and species, forming M2 C and M7 C3 carbides and transferring significant amounts of Cr and Mo from the matrix to carbides; only 32 percent of the total Mo and 72 percent of the total Cr remained in the matrix. The microstructure of 2.25Cr-1Mo steel showed higher stability than that of 1Cr-0.5Mo steel, although a similar transfer of Mo and Cr from the matrix to carbides took place. The Mo and Cr contents remaining in the 2.25Cr-1Mo steel matrix after a 2-yr exposure were only 25 and 74 percent, respectively, of the total quantities in the steel. The partitioning of Mo and Cr to carbides could increase the stability of carbides and consequently reduce the carbon content in the matrix. The mechanical properties are influenced by both the change in the composition of the matrix and the change in carbide morphology. The metallographic examination provides useful information, although qualitative at this stage, on the degree of deterioration of materials.