Ion irradiation-induced decomposition of Al + 4 wt. % Cu supersaturated solid solution

Abstract

The decomposition process of the model precipitation-hardening Al + 4 wt. % Cu supersaturated solid solution induced by Ar+ ions irradiation. Using X-ray diffraction, high- resolution electron microscopy methods and microhardness measurements, it was established, that, already at low temperatures (T < 60 °C), ion irradiation causes accelerated decomposition of solid solution, with precipitation of 9' and 9-phase particles at a depth greatly exceeding the Ar+ ions projected range.