Abstract
A scientific question vitally important to the materials community is whether there exist �self-assembled� nanoclusters that are thermodynamically stable at elevated temperatures. Using in-situ neutron scattering, we characterized the structure and thermal stability of a nano-structured ferritic (NSF) alloy. Nanometer sized clusters were found to persist up to ~1400 �C, providing direct evidence of a thermodynamically stable alloying state for the nanoclusters. Cluster formation requires the coexistence of Y, Ti, and O without the precipitation of oxide phases. The presence of thermally stable nanoclusters at grain boundaries limits the diffusion of Fe atoms, thereby stabilizing the microstructure of the ferritic matrix at high temperatures. Our experimental results provide physical insights of the dramatically improved high-temperature mechanical properties in NSF alloy and point to a new direction in alloy design.
