Defects and property changes in ion and neutron irradiated metallic glasses

Abstract

The possible existence of structural defects in non-crystalline atomic arrangements and the resistance of amorphous metals to radiation damage are two important and related subjects in the study of metallic glasses. This paper presents some results of experiments attempting to produce irradiation induced defects in metallic glasses. After irradiation with neutrons and ions, Fe 80B 20 and Fe 78Mo 2B 20 specimens were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and transmission electron microscopy. Irradiation induced gas bubbles are observed in ion irradiated specimens but no obvious localised defects were found in the neutron irradiated specimens examined. However, changes in crystallization temperature and Curie point were found in the neutron irradiated materials. These findings are briefly discussed in terms of the possible effects of structural and chemical changes in irradiated metallic glasses.