Investigation of Effect of 150 keV Ar2+ Interaction with CuCrZr
摘要
This study examines the mechanical and structural properties of CuCrZr after 150 keV Ar2+ irradiation at fluences ranging from 1 × 1014 to 3 × 1016 ions/cm. The irradiated and pristine specimens were systematically characterized for morphological, microstructural, and mechanical changes using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and nanoindentation. Scherrer analysis indicated that the crystallite size increased with fluence up to 1 × 1016 ions/cm2, followed by a slight reduction at 3 × 1016 ions/cm2. Williamson–Hall analysis revealed a corresponding decrease in micro-strain up to 1 × 1016 ions/cm2, with a subsequent increase at the highest fluence, consistent with peak splitting observed in XRD and suggesting fluence-dependent lattice modification and possible chromium precipitation. Nanoindentation results showed enhanced hardness and modulus in the irradiated surface layer, with increasing H/E and H3/E2 ratios reflecting enhanced elastic strain accommodation and resistance to plastic deformation. A reduction in the plastic-to-elastic energy ratio indicated greater elastic recovery in the irradiated region. Overall, the findings establish a clear process–structure–property correlation linking irradiation-induced effects to mechanical strengthening in CuCrZr.