Effects of helium implantation on creep rupture properties of low activation ferritic steel F82H IEA heat

Thin plate specimens of a low activation ferritic steel, F82H IEA, were cyclotron-implanted with helium at 823 K to concentrations of 100 and 300 appm. Creep rupture properties were subsequently measured at the same temperature and were compared with those from unimplanted controls. No meaningful deterioration by helium was discerned in terms of both creep rupture time and elongation. In addition, the fracture surface remained transgranular and ductile after helium implantation, and no indication of grain boundary failure induced by helium was detected. These results would suggest good resistance of this material toward helium embrittlement.