Neutron irradiation hardening and microstructure changes in Fe–Mn binary alloys

Irradiation hardening and microstructure changes in Fe–Mn binary alloys were investigated after neutron irradiation at 290 °C and up to 0.13 dpa. Significant irradiation hardening comparable to that of Fe–1 at.%Cu alloy was observed in Fe–1 at.%Mn alloy. Manganese increases the number density of dislocation loops, which contributed to the observed irradiation hardening. Manganese serves as a nucleus of the loop by trapping interstitial atoms and clusters, preventing 1D motion of the loops.