INFLUENCE OF NEUTRON-IRRADIATION ON HARDNESS AND FRACTURE STRENGTH OF THE AMORPHOUS ALLOY NI40FE6CO20CR12MO6B16

The influence of neutron (phi = 10(7)n/cm(2).s) irradiation on the hardness and fracture strength of the amorphous alloy Ni40Fe6Co20Cr12Mo6B16 is studied at room temperature. There is little influence up to the fluence of 2 x 10(12)n/cm(2), however, hardening is observed at higher fluences. While the hardness continues to increase from the fluence 2 x 10(12)n/cm(2) to 4.3 x 12(13)n/cm(2), the fracture strength attains a peak value at fluence of similar or equal to 10(13)n/cm2, however, is drastically reduced at higher fluences. The results are discussed in terms of radiation induced defects and consequent formation of clusters like (Fe, Ni)(3) B.