Influence of neutron bombardment of diffused carbide and boride coatings on refractory metals

The effect of neutron bombardment on carbide and boride coatings on refractory metals was studied. It was found that a radiation dose of 1020 neutrons/cm2 produces cracking of the carbide coatings and exfoliation of the boride coatings. The radiation resistance of coatings of the kind studied depends to a large extent on the difference in the radiation-induced expansion of the coating and the substrate material.