Comparison of radiation damage and mechanical and tribological properties of α-Fe exposed to intense pulsed electron and ion beams

Using RBS, SIMS, AES, TEM and SEM techniques, formation of different point and linear defects has been found in iron as a result of intense-pulsed ion beam (IPIB) treatment. The close correlation between the average scalar dislocation density with microhardness magnitude has been proved both in near-surface layers and at great depths. The comparable analysis of structure-phase damage after IPIB and intense-pulsed electron beam (IPEB) irradiation is interesting for an explanation of different modified properties and in industrial application of such treatments.