The effects of proton irradiation on the microstructural and mechanical property evolution of inconel X-750 with high concentrations of helium

Ni-based alloys, which are used in nuclear applications with a high thermal flux, are shown to contain a high density of helium bubbles within the matrix and aligned along grain boundaries, resulting in lost strength and ductility. In the current investigation, material with and without helium is irradiated with protons up to approximately 60 dpa and 18 000 appm helium. With the use of advanced microscopy and nano-indentation, the microstructural evolution and mechanical hardening has been characterized. The addition of helium decreases the rate of disordering of the gamma prime phase, and suppresses void swelling by forming a region with a high density of helium bubbles, and thereby inhibiting the mobility of freely-migrating point defects. Mechanical hardening from proton-irradiation is consistent with neutron-irradiated Inconel X-750 and Alloy 718.