Effects of ion irradiation on the hardness properties of graphites and C/C composites by indentation tests

Small blocks of graphite and C/C composite materials were argon ion irradiated. The load–depth curves were obtained from the micro indentation tests before and after ion irradiation. For the C/C composite material, the indentation test was also performed perpendicular to the depth direction of ion irradiation and the distribution of the hardness properties was examined in the depth direction. As a result, hardness properties of the carbon materials were able to be expressed as a function of dpa values.