Structural stability of ZnAl2O4 spinel irradiated by low energy particles

It is now well known that irradiation of metals and alloys can drive materials into complex configurations. Several examples, like the occurrence of order–disorder phase transitions driven by irradiation, are discussed by many authors. To understand the behavior of ceramics under irradiation, several spinels were irradiated. In this paper, experimental results on the irradiation of ZnAl2O4 by low-energy particles (4 MeV Au2+ ions) are presented. An order–disorder phase transition is observed. The unusual behavior of this spinel under irradiation is discussed within the framework of Martin’s theory of driven alloys under irradiation.