Surface evolution and radiation damage of a zirconolite glass-ceramic by Au ion implantation

Abstract

Ion implantation using particle accelerators is a promising avenue to emulate the property-controlling microstructures created in nuclear materials. In the present study, the 21 MeV Au ion implantations with fluence up to 1 × 1015 ion/cm2 have been conducted on the surface of a zirconolite glass-ceramic. The microstructure modifications on the surface have been investigated by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The amorphous behavior of the crystalline zirconolite and the structural change in the glassy phase has been identified subject to different fluences. The amorphization of zirconolite crystals occurred on the surface of sample subjected to 1 × 1014 ion/cm2 and the deformation of glass and zirconolite crystals near the surface were observed at the fluence of 1 × 1015 ion/cm2.