Study of Helium Swelling and Embrittlement Mechanisms in SiC Ceramics

Abstract

This work is devoted to the study of the radiation damage kinetics and subsequent embrittlement of the near-surface layer of SiC ceramics subjected to irradiation with low-energy He2+ ions. Interest in these types of ceramics is due to their great prospects for use as structural materials for nuclear power, as well as for use in the creation of protective structures for long-term storage of spent nuclear fuel. During the study, the dependences of changes in the structural, mechanical, strength, and morphological characteristics of SiC ceramics depending on irradiation fluence were obtained. It has been established that the greatest changes in the strength properties are associated with the dominance of the crystal lattice swelling effect in the structure due to an increase in the concentration of implanted helium, and its further agglomeration with the formation of vacancy complexes of the He-V type. A model for changing the structural properties of ceramics irradiated with low-energy He2+ ions based on the change in the contributions of the dislocation density concentration, anisotropic distortion of the crystal lattice, and the effect of swelling as a result of implantation is proposed.

Keywords

• silicon carbide
• He²⁺ ions
• radiation damage
• gas swelling
• degradation of the near-surface layer
• embrittlement