Microstructural development and radiation hardening of neutron irradiated Mo–Re alloys

Stress-relieved specimens and recrystallized specimens of pure Mo and Mo–Re alloys with Re contents of 2, 4, 5, 10, 13 and 41 wt% were neutron irradiated up to 20 dpa at temperatures from 681 to 1072 K. On microstructural observation, sigma phase and chi phase precipitates were found in all irradiated Mo–Re alloys. Voids were observed in all irradiated specimens, and dislocation loops and dislocations were observed in the specimens that were irradiated at lower temperatures. On Vickers hardness testing, all of the irradiated specimens showed hardening. Especially Mo–41Re were drastically embrittled after irradiation at 874 K or below. From these results, the authors discuss about the relation between microstructure development and radiation hardening and embrittlement, and propose the optimum Re content and thermal treatment for Mo–Re alloys to be used under irradiation conditions.