Ion-induced transformations in Niobium under radiation and thermal effects

Abstract This study explores ion-induced transformations in niobium under radiation and thermal conditions. The niobium foils were implanted with 57 Fe ions at 200 keV and subjected to isochronous annealing at temperatures up to 1000 °C. The effects on phase composition and structural state were examined using the Mössbauer Spectroscopy method in transmission geometry (MS), conversion electron Mössbauer Spectroscopy (CEMS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The results showed the formation of a supersaturated Nb (Fe) solid solution after implantation, transitioning to a Fe 2 Nb intermetallic compound upon annealing. Ion implantation produced metastable and amorphous phases, while thermal treatment led to crystallization, reducing the iron concentration in Nb(Fe) and increasing the content of Fe 2 Nb. This work contributes to understanding radiation-induced segregation and phase transformations in niobium, enhancing its potential in nuclear material science.