Development of fine-grained V–28Cr–2.3Y and V–52Cr–1.8Y alloys with superior mechanical properties

V alloy ingots with Cr contents higher than 25 mass% cannot be subjected to plastic working, and hence the alloys have not been fabricated for structural applications so far. In order to develop such high Cr, V-based alloys, advanced powder metallurgical processes utilizing mechanical alloying and HIP were applied and V–28Cr–2.3Y and V–52Cr–1.8Y (mass%) alloys were successfully fabricated. The alloys were annealed at 1273–1673 K and subjected to TEM microstructural examinations and tensile tests at room temperature. 28Cr–2.3Y and V–52Cr–1.8Y alloys had fine grains ranging from 0.27 to 4.7 μm and fine dispersoids of Y2O3, YN and Y. Both alloys, without plastic working after consolidation, exhibit superior mechanical properties; sufficient elongation and high strength. This work yielded the first success in the development of V–Cr alloys and the features of the alloys are discussed in terms of further enhancement of microstructural stability and tensile properties.