Nanoindentation and Raman Spectroscopic Study of Graphite Irradiated with Swift ²³⁸U Ions

Abstract

Modifications of the structure and mechanical properties of the isotropic fine-grained graphite R6650 irradiated with 2.6 GeV ²³⁸U ions at fluences up to 10¹³ ions/cm² at room temperature are studied. A strong ion-induced increase of Young's modulus and hardness is observed that points to the formation of a hard form of carbon. Raman spectra ascertain the disordering of graphite and its transformation to glassy carbon.

Keywords:

• Graphite
• ion irradiation
• nanoindentation
• Raman spectroscopy

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Latvian VPP IMIS project and the European Social Fund through the project “Support for Doctoral Studies at the University of Latvia.”