The microstructural evolution of precipitate strengthened copper alloys by varying temperature irradiation

To investigate the effect of varying temperature irradiation on oxide dispersion strengthened copper alloy (GlidCop CuAl15), heavy ion irradiation was carried out by using 2.4 MeV Cu ions up to 30 dpa in the temperature range of 473–673 K. TEM observation of CuAl15 before irradiation showed high density of small alumina particles and dislocations. After 30 dpa at 673 K constant temperature irradiation, voids were formed. However, voids formation was strongly depended on grain size. On the other hand, by a varying temperature irradiation, the number density of voids was decreased as compared with that of 673 K constant temperature irradiation. The result of CuAl15 is consistent with our previous studies of pure copper irradiated under same irradiation conditions.