Influence of Microstructure on Radiation Effects in Metal Alloys
The influence of the microstructure of metal alloys on damages generated by ion irradiation is studied. The objective is to establish the damage mechanisms and ways to mitigate them through the design of an appropriate microstructure, in order to conceptually contribute to the development of alloys with high resistance to irradiation for applications in fission or fusion reactors. Currently, this line of research is being developed in collaboration with Dr. Esteban Sánchez from the Surface Physics Division of the Bariloche Atomic Center.
a) High resolution image of defects induced by irradiation with Xe- ions with an energy of 230 MeV. b) Detail of the area shown in a). [E. Zelaya et al. (2009)]. c) Al blisters generated by irradiation by He implantation; fluence: 8.7 x 1016 ions/cm2. d) Detail with higher magnification of the irradiated surface. [S. Soria et al. (2015)]. e) Faceted He bubbles in Al. Fluence: 2.6 x 1017. [D. Rondón et al. (2019)]
Researchers involved:
- Esteban A. Sánchez (Surface Physics)
- Teobaldo Torres (Physics of Metals)
Related Publications:
- Swift heavy ion irradiation of Cu–Zn–Al and Cu–Al–Ni alloys. E. Zelaya, A. Tolley, A. M. Condo, and G. Schumacher. J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 21 (2009) 185009 (8pp).
- Cavity nucleation and growth in Cu–Zn–Al irradiated with Cu+ ions at different temperatures. E. Zelaya, D. Schryvers, A. Tolley, P.F.P. Fitchner. Intermetallics 18, 493-498 (2010) (doi:10.1016/j.intermet.2009.09.010).
- The influence of microstructure on blistering and bubble formation by He ion irradiation in Al alloys. S. R. Soria, A. Tolley, E.A. Sánchez, Journal of Nuclear Materials 467, 357-367 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnucmat.2015.09.051
- Characterization of He Bubbles in Irradiated Aluminium with High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy and Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy. D. Rondón Brito, Esteban A. Sánchez, Alfredo J. Tolley. Microscopy and Microanalysis, 26, Suppl 1, 25-26 (2020), doi:10.1017/S1431927620000367.
Research Techniques:
- Alloy fabrication
- Ion irradiation/implantation of noble gases
- Atomic Force Microscopy
- Scanning Electron Microscopy
- Transmission Electron Microscopy
