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.
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.”