Designing new radiation hard MAX phase coatings by understanding irradiation damage at the atomic scale

MAX相由陶瓷和金属的交替原子层组成。它们具有化学式Mn+1AXn，其中M是前过渡金属，A是来自IIIA或IVA族的元素，X是碳或氮，并且n = 1、2或3。由于其独特的晶体结构，MAX相联合收割机结合了陶瓷和金属的许多有吸引力的性能。这些性能包括高温稳定性、高刚度、良好的导电性和导热性、断裂韧性、抗热震性和机械加工性。这些材料作为抗辐射材料具有很大的前景，可以形成保护涂层，使聚变能够大规模实现。MAX相对聚变反应堆温度和辐射水平的抵抗力至今尚未深入研究-需要更多的信息来了解不同元素成分和剂量率的影响。我将利用一系列高分辨率设备来了解不同成分的MAX阶段的辐射损伤机制。我将探索这些层状材料在其原始状态下的原子结构，以及作为辐射损伤和损伤温度的函数。这将用于更好地理解结构-性能关系，并优化未来的材料，以创造真正的抗辐射涂层。

MAX Phases consist of alternating atomic layers of ceramic and metals. These have the chemical formula Mn+1AXn, where M is an early transition metal, A is an element from the IIIA or IVA groups, X is carbon or nitrogen, and n = 1, 2, or 3. Due to their unique crystal structure, MAX phases combine many attractive properties of both ceramics and metals. These properties include high temperature stability, high stiffness, good electrical and thermal conductivity, fracture toughness, thermal shock resistance, and machinability. These materials have great promise as radiation hard materials which could form protective coatings needed to enable Fusion to be realized on a large scale.The resistance of MAX phases to fusion reactor-like temperatures and radiation levels has not been explored in depth until now - much more information is required to understand the effect of different elemental compositions and dose rates. I will be utilising a range of high resolution equipment to understand radiation damage mechanisms in MAX phases with different compositions. I will explore the atomic structure of these layered materials in their pristine state and as a function of irradiation damage and damage temperature. This will be used to generate a better understanding of structure-property relationships and to optimize future materials with the goal of creating a truly radiation hard coating.