Electron irradiation induced solute segregation near grain boundaries in austenitic stainless steel

Radiation-induced solute segregation near internal defect sinks such as high angle grain boundaries was investigated, through the interaction between point defects and solute atom in austenitic stainless steel and its model alloys. Electron irradiation was performed in a high voltage electron microscope (H V E M) at a dose rate of about 2 multiple 10-3 d p a.S-1 at a temperature range of 350-600 degree C. Solute concentration profile near grain boundaries was measured by E D X in S T E M mode. Strong enrichment and depletion of solutes were observed on grain boundaries during irradiation and segregation rate went through a maximum at 450 degree C. These facts indicate that grain boundaries act as preferential sinks for radiation-induced point defects