Flat morphisms with regular fibers do not preserve $F$-rationality

Abstract

For each positive prime integer $p$ we construct a standard graded $F$-rational ring $R$, over a field $K$ of characteristic $p$, such that $R\otimes_K\overline{K}$ is not $F$-rational. By localizing we obtain a flat local homomorphism $(R, \mathfrak{m}) \to (S, \mathfrak{n})$ such that $R$ is $F$-rational, $S/\mathfrak{m} S$ is regular (in fact, a field), but $S$ is not $F$-rational. In the process we also obtain standard graded $F$-rational rings $R$ for which $R\otimes_K R$ is not $F$-rational.