The role of carbon in copper precipitation process in neutron irradiated Fe–Cu binary alloys

Abstract In spite of general understanding of the copper precipitation in neutron irradiated Cu-rich alloys, the role of carbon in the precipitation process as well as in the formation of other defects under neutron irradiation, and their overall effect to the dislocation dynamics, are not yet fully elucidated. The mechanical tests are performed in neutron irradiated Fe, Fe–0.1%Cu and Fe–0.3%Cu alloys at three different temperatures, and the results of the yield stress are compared with the internal friction measurements. It is found that the copper precipitation, governed by the neutron irradiation, causes the appearance of carbon redistribution. From the comparison of the yield stress changes at different temperatures and dose, the carbon contribution to the hardening is estimated.