Raman spectra analysis of ZrO₂ thermally grown on Zircaloy substrates irradiated with heavy ion: Effects of oxygen isotopic substitution

Abstract

Recently, unusual Raman signals were observed in different works conducted on thin zirconia layers grown on zirconium alloys simulating in-reactor materials after high fluence ion irradiation or for samples cut from fuel rods irradiated in nuclear plants. As such, these spectra clearly do not correspond to any known spectrum of a pure standard zirconia phase. Therefore, the analysis conducted in this paper aims to provide a better understanding of these peculiar Raman features. For that purpose, specific ion-irradiated samples were analysed. In situ Raman spectroscopy was first used to follow the irradiation process. Then, samples were characterized using different excitation wavelengths. Finally, the effects of oxygen isotopic substitution were examined in details. Results are discussed in terms of disorder and size-related effects.

Different Radiation Tolerances of Ultrafine-Grained Zirconia–Magnesia Composite Ceramics with Different Grain Sizes

“…Notably, the LGs could withstand higher displacement damage than the SGs in the phase transformation. It is proposed that the presence of low grain size or a high-density grain boundary, and their inherent sub-stoichiometry, may enhance the disorder effect under heavy ion irradiation [35]. The above results show that the ultrafine-grained ZrO 2 –MgO composite ceramic with a large grain size had better radiation tolerance under high energy heavy ion bombardment.…”

Low-Temperature and UV Irradiation Effect on Transformation of Zirconia -MPS nBBs-Based Gels into Hybrid Transparent Dielectric Thin Films

“…Sharp peaks within 1055–1071 cm −1 were also reported for C(sp 3 )-C(sp 3 ) bonding since UV-Raman spectroscopy is also sensitive to the carbons with sp 3 hybridization [ 41 , 42 ]. The 637 cm −1 peak might belong to monoclinic and tetragonal zirconia (m- and t-ZrO 2 ) [ 43 ].…”

Vanadia–Zirconia and Vanadia–Hafnia Catalysts for Utilization of Volatile Organic Compound Emissions

“…An interesting new peak at 705 cm −1 is noticed for impregnated VZr sample that was calcined at 500 • C. The peak appears more intense for the sample that was calcined during 4 h. This unusual Raman signal has earlier been observed to appear in the spectra of thin zirconia layers grown on zirconium alloys. Ciszak et al [28] explained the peak as a band that describes disorder or defects in the material. The band is normally symmetry-forbidden, but it becomes visible with a loss of symmetry in the material.…”