Effect of Kr15+ Ion Irradiation on the Structure and Properties of PSZ Ceramics

This article deals with the effect of Kr15+ ion irradiation on the structure and properties of partially stabilized zirconium dioxide (ZrO2 + 3 mol. % Y2O3) ceramics. Ion irradiation is used to simulate radiation damage typical of operating conditions in nuclear reactors and space technology. It is shown that with an increase in the irradiation fluence, point defects are formed, dislocations accumulate, and the crystal lattice parameters change. At high fluences (>1013 ions/cm2), a phase transition of the monoclinic (m-ZrO2) phase to the tetragonal (t-ZrO2) and cubic (c-ZrO2) modifications is observed, which is accompanied by a decrease in the crystallite size and an increase in internal stresses. Changes in the mechanical properties of the material were also observed: at moderate irradiation fluences, strengthening is observed due to the formation of dislocation structures, whereas at high fluences (>1014 ions/cm2), a decrease in strength and a potential amorphization of the structure begins. The change in the phase composition was confirmed by X-ray phase analysis and Raman spectroscopy. The results obtained allow a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of radiation-induced phase transformations in stabilized ZrO2 and can be used in the development of ceramic materials with increased radiation resistance.