Mechanical Property Changes of Borosilicate Glass Induced by Mono and Sequential Ion-Irradiations

Abstract

This study discusses the impact of mono and sequential ion-irradiations on the glass structure and mechanical properties of the borosilicate glass. Under mono H-ion irradiation, there is a slight decrease in both of the hardness and modulus. In the mono Au and He ion-irradiation scenarios, the mechanical properties of the sample decrease with increasing fluence and eventually reach saturation. However, the saturation values of the hardness and modulus differ for these two mono-ion irradiation scenarios. Sequential H-ion irradiation can facilitate damage recovery in Au-ion pre-irradiated samples, while sequential Au-ion irradiation can promote damage in the He-ion pre-irradiated glass. The ultimate equilibrium state is governed by the sequential irradiated ions. Moreover, this study demonstrates a close correlation between the mechanical properties and the boron structure of the glass. These results are crucial for understanding the radiation damages caused by multi-particle irradiation during nuclear waste glass immobilization.

Keywords: High-level waste, Borosilicate glass, Sequential ion-irradiation, Mechanical properties, Microstructure