Nanostructuring of Cu-TiB2 induced by ion irradiation

► Ion irradiation of Cu-TiB2 thin films induces the nanoprecipitation of TiB or TiB2. ► TiB2 nanoprecipitates form spherical zones homogeneously distributed. ► Formation of nanoprecipitates is rationalized by intracascade precipitation. ► First observation of intracascade precipitation of a compound phase. ► Results expand design space for radiation-resistant materials.