The effect of irradiation on tensile properties and fracture toughness of CuCrZr and CuCrNiSi alloys

This paper deals with the effect of irradiation on tensile properties and fracture toughness of CuCrZr and CuCrNiSi alloys, considered for use in some in-vessel components of ITER, where a combination of high strength and heat conduction is essential. The heat treatments were: , quenching in water after annealing at 950 °С, cold worked 40–45%, and aged at 475–500 °С for 3 h. Si, quenching in water after annealing at 980 °С and aged for 4 h at 460 °С. ens were irradiated in the IVV-2 reactor at ∼200 °С and with irradiation damage of 0.15 and 0.27 dpa. Post-irradiation tests were carried out to assess the tensile properties and fracture toughness of the materials. The tests results show that CuCrNiSi has better strength and retains higher ductility after irradiation, but has somewhat lower crack resistance than CuCrZr.