The effects of ionizing radiation on metal nitriding

Studies are done on the nitriding kinetics for Mg, Al, Ge, Zr, Ta, W and Fe under identical conditions, but in one case without ionizing radiation and in the other with it. It has been found that gamma radiation accelerates the nitriding of Mg, Ta, and W but inhibits that of Zr. An attempt is made to establish the mechanisms of these radiation effects. The effects of gamma radiation on these reactions in general are complicated and are related to the physicochemical properties of the metals, particularly those of the surfaces, and also the properties of the nitrides