Microstructure formation in neutron-irradiated V-1.6Y alloy at 800 °C

Microstructure formation in V-1.6Y during neutron irradiation at 800 °C was examined with transmission electron microscopy. Faulted vacancy loops were observed in the coarse grains several micrometers in diameter without dispersed Y2O3 particles. The habit plane of the faulted vacancy loop is close to {1 1 6}. Formation of faulted vacancy loops in the vanadium matrix could be induced by oxygen picked up from the environment during irradiation. Denuded zone of faulted vacancy loops was observed around both helical dislocations and grain boundaries.