Evolution of radiation-induced damage in nuclear graphite – A comparative structural and microstructural study

Graphite, as a material for high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGR), will be exposed to harsh environment. The stability of graphite structure under irradiation is of a key importance for efficiency, reliability and security of the Generation IV nuclear reactors. Three types of nuclear grade graphite were subjected to irradiation in this research – two commercially manufactured (IG-110 and NBG-17) and the laboratory's in-home material (NCBJ). The samples were exposed to 150 keV Ar+ and He+ ions bombardment at 400 °C with fluences ranging from 1E12 to 2E17 ion/cm2 in order to simulate in-reactor conditions. For analysis of the level of structure damage, type of created defects and crystallite size changes under ion irradiation ex-situ Raman spectroscopy was used. The methodology of spectra fitting was developed. Furthermore, SEM observation of irradiated materials was performed. Results showed structural degradation of materials by the means of amorphisation: slight at a low fluence level, rising rapidly at higher irradiation values. Furthermore, stronger structural disorder was found in the materials irradiated with heavier Ar+ ions than with lighter He+. Microstructural evolution of the nuclear graphites aligned with the structural deterioration in its stepwise character.