Deviating from the pure MAX phase concept: Radiation-tolerant nanostructured dual-phase Cr₂AlC

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nuclear Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• MAX phase materials are promising for extreme environments.
• Understanding radiation resistance is crucial for nuclear applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a dual-phase Cr₂AlC MAX phase material.
• To evaluate its irradiation resistance under simulated nuclear reactor conditions.

Main Methods:

• Magnetron sputtering synthesis at 648 K.
• In situ transmission electron microscopy with 300-keV Xe ion irradiation up to 40 displacements per atom at 623 K.
• Scanning transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• A dual-phase material with a nanocrystalline MAX phase matrix and amorphous nano-zones was synthesized.
• The material exhibited significant irradiation resistance, with no complete amorphization observed.
• Radiation-induced segregation and clustering were associated with inert gas bubble swelling.
• Preexisting amorphous nano-zones were found to be beneficial.

Conclusions:

• Dual-phase Cr₂AlC MAX phase materials show promise for extreme environments.
• The presence of amorphous nano-zones improves radiation tolerance.
• Further research into MAX phase materials for nuclear applications is warranted.