Influence of ion irradiation on the structure and mechanical properties of extruded V95 alloy profiles after artificial aging

The effect of 10-keV Ar⁺ ion irradiation on the mechanical properties and structural and phase state of hot-pressed thin profiles 1.5 mm thick and made of an V95 alloy (Al-Zn-Mg-Cu system) after artificial aging (T = 140°C, 16 h) has been studied. Ion beam treatment of the alloy (j = 300 μA·cm⁻², F = 1.9·10¹⁵ and 1.1·10¹⁶ cm⁻²) without heating the samples to significant temperatures (T < 35–50°C) has not been established to change the ultimate strength and yield strength; however, it increases the relative elongation by 1–2 %. Transmission electron microscopy has shown that irradiation changes the grain structure and the morphology of particles of the crystallization origin in the entire volume of quenched and artificially aged V95 alloy samples (1.5 mm thick). The irradiation does not affect the size and the volume fraction of fine strengthening η′- and η-phase particles. (paper)