Microstructural evolution and hardness changes in the interface of Cu/316L joint materials under aging and ion irradiation

Abstract The effects of aging and ion irradiation on microstructure stability and hardness change in the joint materials of CuNiBe/316L and CuAl25/316L have been investigated in the present study. The aging at 673 K for 1000 h or Ni ion irradiation at 573 and 673 K to 10 dpa did not promote the interdiffusion and void swelling at the interface. The hardness in both Cu alloys and stainless steel was increased by irradiation, however, it was decreased by aging except for CuNiBe alloy. The hardness change in CuNiBe alloy was larger than that in CuAl25 alloy. The hardness changes would have a significant effect on the mechanical properties of joint materials.