Nano-/microstructure characterization of irradiated materials

Irradiation-induced changes of material properties are caused by the formation and evolution of nm-scale defects and precipitates as a result of the generation of point defects and their clusters through the interaction with energetic particles (neutrons, ions). The microstructure characterization of neutron/ion irradiated materials aims at elucidating damage mechanisms and evaluating the irradiation tolerance of materials. It contributes to the assessment and development of innovative materials for nuclear applications. With our technical equipment, we are able to characterize complex, hierarchical microstructures of irradiated materials from the nm- to the mm-scale. The focus is on irradiation-induced changes at the nm scale.

Our expertise

• Characterisation and quantification of nm-scale irradiation defects
• Multi-scale characterisation (nm – mm-scale) of complex, hierarchic microstructures of irradiated materials
• Models for irradiation hardening

Methods

• Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS)
• Analytical (scanning-) transmission electron microscopy (S)TEM/EDS
• Analytical scanning electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction SEM/EDS/EBSD
• Positron annihilation spectroscopy in cooperation with the Institute of Radiation Physics

Current projects

• INNUMAT (EU HORIZON-EURATOM, 2022-2026)
• ENTENTE (EU-H2020-Euratom, 2020-2024)
• STRUMAT-LTO (EU-H2020-Euratom, 2020-2024)
• IOANIS 2 (EERA-JPNM Pilote Project, 2023 - 2027, coordinator: HZDR)
• INSITEX (EERA-JPNM Pilote Project, 2023 - 2027)