Ion irradiation effects on high strength, high conductivity copper alloys

Microstructural effects in a solid solution cold work strengthened copper alloy (Cu-0.15 wt.% Zr), a precipitation strengthened alloy (beryllium copper) and a dispersion hardened alloy (Cu-0.6 wt.% Al as Al2O3 particles) after high energy ion irradiation at fluences from 1 dpa to 20 dpa at temperatures from 523 K to 773 K have been characterized by detailed TEM investigation. Atomic displacement processes result in texture-dependent accelerated recovery by dislocation climb and glide in the Cu-0.15 wt.% Zr alloy. Coarsening (or disappearance) of GP zones and accelerated growth of CuBe precipitates are observed in the beryllium copper alloy. Microstructural evolution in the oxide dispersion strengthened alloy entails progressive amorphization and dissolution of the Al2O3 particles. (orig.)