Metallurgical properties of reduced activation martensitic steel Eurofer’97 in the as-received condition and after thermal ageing

This paper describes the microstructural studies and the mechanical testing (hardness, tensile and charpy tests) performed on the Eurofer’97 steel in the as-received condition and after thermal ageing treatments up to 600 °C. In addition, fracture toughness tests on the as-received condition have been carried out in order to determine the Master Curve. During the thermal ageing treatments studied (500 °C/5000 h and 600 °C/1000 h) the general microstructure of the steel (tempered martensite with M23C6 and MX precipitates) remained stable. Only a slight growth of the particles has been observed. In terms of mechanical properties, the Eurofer’97 steel exhibited similar values of tensile properties (tensile and yield strength) and ductile–brittle transition temperature regardless of the material condition studied.