An exploration of lattice transformation mechanism of muscovite single crystal under EB irradiation at 0-1000 kGy

Electronic components made by inorganics (e.g., mica) play key roles in the function exertion of instruments working in outer-layer space, enduring longterm ss-ray irradiation. Its damage is vital while explored rarely. Herein, pure muscovite crystals were chosen and irradiated by an electron beam (EB) in air with a dose up to 1000 kGy. Then, micro-geometry morphology variation in Z-axis and microstructural transformation mechanism were explored by Xray diffraction, Fourier transform attenuated total reflection infrared spectrum, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and CA analysis. Main results reveal thatmuscovite lattice is unstable to EB irradiation. With dose increases to 1000 kGy, interlayer space d of (0 0 2) lattice varied 2% near 0.2 angstrom. At low- dose, irradiation lattice expansion readily occurs, whereas at higher dose, it is lattice shrinkage, showing a transformation from expansion to shrinkage. Concurrently, chemical structure varied, H2O amount increased, and metal element valance and surface wettability were reduced, so dehydroxylation occurred exceeding H2O radiolysis and evaporation, and framework cleavage could be severe. Binding energies of metals of 1000 kGy-irradiated species decreased by 0.2 eV, and CA of 100 kGy-irradiated species increased by 10 degrees Intrinsic mechanisms involve framework destruction, H-atom migration, hydrogen bond formation/destruction, and H2O radiolysis. At low- dose irradiation, H-atom migration and hydrogen bond formation/destruction are predominant, inducing lattice expansion; at higher dose, framework cleavage is intensive and crucial, inducing shrinkage. During which, partial H2O occurred radiolysis, reducing valence. Generally, H-atom migration and interface cleavage played key roles in microgeometry morphology a variation of muscovite crystal under EB irradiation at 0-1000 kGy. To enhance muscovite geometry-morphology stability under a long-term ss-ray irradiation condition, OHand hydrogen bond contents should be reduced and interface region should be strengthened (e.g., lessening vacancies or compacting stacking). This conclusion promotes the design of radiation-resistant silicate material, guiding the manufacturing of electronic component used in aerospace industry significantly.

Automated summary

In this study, the micro-geometry morphology variation and microstructural transformation mechanism of muscovite crystals under electron beam irradiation were explored. The results revealed the instability of the muscovite lattice under irradiation, as well as the expansion and shrinkage of the lattice with increasing dose. The study also identified changes in chemical structure and other mechanisms involved. These findings are significant for the design of radiation-resistant silicate materials and the manufacturing of electronic components used in the aerospace industry.