Development of a micro-scale Y-Zr-O oxide-dispersion-strengthened steel fabricated via vacuum induction melting and electro-slag remelting

In this paper, the CLAM steel strengthened by micro-scale Y-Zr-O was prepared by vacuum induction melting followed by electroslag remelting (VIM-ESR). Yttrium (Y) and zirconium (Zr) were easy to aggregates into massive yttrium-zirconium-rich inclusions in the steel melted by vacuum induction melting (VIM), which would interrupt the continuity of the matrix and reduce the mechanical properties of steel. Micron-sized Y-Zr-O inclusions would be produced with the removal of original blocky Y-Zr-rich inclusions and the submicron-sized inclusions smaller than $0.2{\mu}m$ could be retained in the steel. The small grain size and the better refinement and distribution uniformity of Y-Zr-O inclusions after remelting would be responsible for the better yield strength and toughness. For VIM-ESR alloy, the ultimate tensile strength is 749 MPa and the yield strength is 642 MPa at room temperature, meanwhile they are 391 MPa and 367 MPa at $600^{\circ}C$, respectively. Meanwhile, the ductile-brittle transition temperature (DBTT) reduced from $-43^{\circ}C$ (VIM) to $-76^{\circ}C$ (VIM-ESR).