Abstract

In this study, a new method was developed for measuring the stability of incoherent nanoparticles using high-resolution high voltage microscopy. The method was demonstrated successfully on Fe-12Cr ODS steel. In situ particle size evolution during 1.25 MeV electron irradiation were observed at room temperature. The results indicated a diffusion of solute atoms via a no vacancy mechanism, such as the reorientation jump of mixed dumbbell. The statistical results indicate that the particles in 12Cr-ODS steel exhibit a combination of overall stability and local instability, where most particles are stable, and a few particles have undergone size changes.