Microstructural changes in β–Cu–Zn–Al due to SHI irradiation

The effects of irradiation with swift heavy ions on L21 long range ordered β phase Cu–Zn–Al single crystals with surface orientation close to (0 0 1)β were investigated. The resulting change in structure and microstructure were characterized by transmission electron microscopy. A phase transformation to a close-packed phase, loops and cavities were observed and characterized after the irradiation process. The origin and the stability of the microstructural changes due to irradiation are discussed.