Evolution of second phase particles following neutron irradiation in a Zr-Nb-Sn-Cu-Fe alloy

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Abstract
The addition of copper (Cu) in zirconium (Zr) alloys remains relatively uncommon, with existing research primarily focused on its influence on enhancing corrosion resistance. This work examines the microstructural evolution of the Zr-1Nb-0.3Sn-0.2Cu-0.05Fe (W13) alloy during neutron irradiation. Transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography were employed to characterise the microstructure of the alloy in both the unirradiated condition and after neutron exposure at doses reaching up to 33.5 displacements per atom. In the unirradiated state, secondary phase particles (SPPs) of beta-Nb, Zr(Nb,Fe)2 and Zr2(Cu, Fe) SPPs were identified. Neutron irradiation resulted in Cu depletion from the Zr2(Cu, Fe) SPPs, with the released Cu forming solute bands co-segregated with iron (Fe) and anti-segregated with tin (Sn). The beta-Nb SPPs exhibited a decrease in niobium (Nb) content and an increase in size, attributed to Zr incorporation. During irradiation, Nb-rich SPPs formed in rows along basal planes, with some containing Fe. Mechanisms were proposed to explain SPP formation, solute depletion from SPPs and the formation of solute bands specific to the W13 alloy.

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