The desire to reduce generating costs by increasing thermal efficiency in power plants has resulted in a need for materials with improved high-temperature properties. Advanced ferritic/martensitic steels are prime candidates for such applications. Although these alloys were developed for application in nuclear power plants because of their low swelling behavior, their high creep-rupture strength and appealing thermal properties have led to their use in other demanding environments.

Monograph 3 provides a detailed review of the development of the high-chromium ferritic/martensitic steels for exposure to the high-energy neutron environment of a fission or fusion reactor. Since the steels are used extensively for a range of high-temperature applications, this book also provides insight into the basic properties of the steels under non-nuclear conditions. The many materials scientists worldwide who conduct research on non-nuclear applications will find this a valuable resource.

A comprehensive list of references is also provided and will save users valuable time otherwise spent on locating related publications.