# Possibility of suppression of the formation of solute-enriched clusters

## TL;DR

This paper explores a method to suppress solute-enriched cluster formation in irradiated pressure vessel steels by light alloying, altering solidification mechanisms, and preventing cluster formation in specific steel types.

## Contribution

It introduces a novel approach of light alloying with selected elements to inhibit solute-enriched cluster formation during irradiation.

## Key findings

- Suppression of cluster formation through alloying with elements of specific properties.
- Alteration of solidification mechanisms to prevent solute drag.
- Applicability limited to B.C.C. steels, not F.C.C. steels.

## Abstract

Based on the earlier proposed mechanism of formation of solute-enriched clusters in irradiated pressure vessel steels, it has been demonstrated that it is possible to suppress this process by the method of light alloying of PVS with a chemical element with specially selected properties such as solubility, activity, and mobility. It is shown that it is possible to change the thermal spike molten zone solidification mechanism and suppress the "solute drag" leading to the formation of solute-enriched clusters. It must be noted that such a solute-enriched cluster formation mechanism is appropriate for alloying elements with low solubilities - it fits for B.C.C. steel-metal of PVS, but does not for the F.C.C. austenitic steels.