Dissolution of Copper Precipitates in An Fe−1·3Wt%Cu Alloy Under Fe+ Ion Irradiation

Abstract

AbstractThe stability of Cu precipitates in an Fe-1.3wt%Cu alloy under 300 keV Fe+ion irradiation has been investigated using transmission electron microscopy and high-resolution electron microscopy. The irradiations were carried out between room temperature and 550°C at displacement rates of 103 to 10−2 dpa(s)−1 to fluences of up to 30 dpa. Copper precipitates were found to keep their shape but decrease in size under all irradiation conditions. The results are discussed within the framework of a competitive process between irradiation induced ballistic destruction of precipitates by cascades and irradiation-enhanced precipitation.