Effect of high-temperature thermomechanical treatment in the austenite region on microstructure and mechanical properties of low-activated 12% chromium ferritic-martensitic steel EK-181

The effect of high-temperature thermomechanical treatment with deformation in the austenite region on the microstructure and mechanical properties in low-activated 12% chromium ferritic-martensitic steel EK-181 (Fe–12Cr–2W–V–Ta–B) has been investigated. This treatment leads to a significant increase (compared to traditional regime of treatment) in the density of dislocations, dispersity, and volume fraction of nanosized particles V(C,N) and, as a consequence, to an increase in the yield strength while maintaining a sufficient reserve of ductility.