The effect of low-dose neutron irradiation on mechanical properties, electrical resistivity and fracture of NiAl bronze for ITER

Nickel–aluminum bronze is a candidate material for several applications for ITER in-vessel components such as divertor and blanket attachments and remote handling equipment. This paper presents the first results of an experimental investigation of the effect of neutron irradiation on mechanical properties, fracture characteristics and electrical resistivity of NiAl bronze. Specimens of NiAl bronze were irradiated at 150 °C and 300 °C to doses of 10−3; 10−2; 0.7 ∗ 10−1 dpa in the RBT-6 reactor (Φttherm/Φtfast ∼ 1) in Dimitrovgrad. It was shown that irradiation at 150 °C leads to minor changes of tensile properties, whereas irradiation at 300 °C results in significant loss of ductility at damage dose of 0.07 dpa. The change of electrical resistively of NiAl bronze is low, ≈3% at the maximum dose studied. The reasons for the high-radiation resistance of NiAl bronze in comparison with copper and copper alloys are discussed.