SEM and EBSD studies of ion implanted stainless steel

Abstract

Research is currently in progress to determine the effect ion irradiation at varying energy and fluence has on the microstructure of several grades of stainless steel. Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation (PI3) and the Small Tandem for Applied Research (STAR) accelerator have been employed in this research to simulate some of the effects from a neutron irradiation environment using helium ions. The overall aim of the research is to eventually investigate other unique materials that have applications in both GenIV and fusion reactor programs and the Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative (AFCI), e.g., inert matrix fuels, reactor core liners, and structural materials within the reactor (ODS materials). The main focus of this work will be to study the microstructure and understand grain boundary interactions, and how they relate to the tolerance of materials to damage.