Characterization of lattice parameter variations, defect dynamics, and surface morphology in Al2O3-B4C coatings on 321 stainless steel under swift heavy ion irradiation

In the presented work, 321 Stainless Steel + B4C + Al2O3 compounds were synthesized by atmospheric plasma technique, with 167 MeV energy swift heavy Xe26+ ions were irradiated with different flux and structure, defect formation and Raman spectroscopic analyzes were performed. The total number of displacements was determined based on the DPA and NRT model of interacting ions with SRIM/TRIM calculations. Depending on the concentration of B4C crystal, phase space groups, lattice parameters, surface morphology and their changes were determined in non-irradiated and SHI-irradiated compounds by structural analysis. Raman shift analyzes were performed depending on the change of Al2O3 concentration on the surface of the compound after SHI irradiation. It has been established that SHI radiation causes the formation of defect centers on the surface and volume of the 321 Stainless Steel + B4C + Al2O3 compound, amorphization of the surface, and reduction of the lattice parameters in the existing structural phases. •321 Stainless Steel + B4C + Al2O3 compounds irradiated with 167 MeV energy Xe26+ swift heavy ions at different fluxes.•DPA value and total number of displacements are determined depending on the flux in the compounds.•Phase groups and lattice parameters of irradiated compounds were determined depending on the concentration of B4C crystal.•SHI irradiation forms surface amorphization in 321 Stainless Steel + B4C + Al2O3 combination.