Effect of proton and Ne irradiation on the microstructure of Zircaloy 4

Proton irradiation at temperatures of 310 and 350degreesC has been explored as a method of studying radiation effects in Zircaloy 4 under power-reactor conditions. The dislocation-loop and hardness evolution are similar to those observed under neutron irradiation. Amorphization and Fe loss at Zr(Cr,Fe)(2) precipitates are observed. Energy-filtered images indicate Fe accumulation in the matrix near the precipitate, a phenomenon not reported in neutron-irradiated alloys.