Evaluation of dual-ion irradiated β-SiC by means of indentation methods

Dual-ion irradiation using the high-voltage accelerators and the micro- and/or nano-indentation scheme are useful techniques to evaluate the irradiation-induced mechanical property changes of fusion materials. In this study, polycrystalline β-SiC was irradiated by silicon ions with and without simultaneous injection of helium ions using DuET Multi-beam Facility. β-SiC irradiated with dual-beam was carefully tested by means of micro-indentation technique to establish hardness and fracture toughness for determining micro-mechanics. Simultaneous irradiation of Si and He ions clearly enhances radiation-induced hardening than that by single Si ion irradiation. Indentation fracture toughness of radiation-induced β-SiC increased, however, the enhancement decreased with increasing irradiation temperature and time.