Neutron irradiation effects in amorphous Pd-Si alloy

Effect of neutron irradiation on the structure and mechanical properties of an amorphous Pd-Si alloy has been examined by electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and differential thermal analyses, and tensile test. Neutron irradiation induces no appreciable change in structural observations, but a retardation of crystallization and a decrease in Young's modulus. From the experimental results, it is concluded that the amorphous structure is changed to a more random atomic state due to the destruction of the short-range ordering by neutron irradiation. This effect is also discussed by applying a thermal-spike model. (auth.)