Nano-amorphous layers improve the helium swelling resistance of a CAC-type nanocomposite

Numerous studies pay more attention to the heterophase interfaces of nanocomposites due to their effective sinks for radiation-induced point defects and traps for helium. An amorphous structure with excessive free volume also possesses high He solubility and irradiation resistance, but its effect on helium irradiation of the nanocomposites is not clear. Here, the helium irradiation effect of a crystalline/amorphous/crystalline sandwich structured W/Amorphous/Cu nanocomposite (W/A/Cu) is investigated. The results show that helium swelling resistance of a W/A/Cu nanocomposite is enhanced after introducing an amorphous layer due to strong sink strength of the crystalline/amorphous-W(Cu)/A interface and high He solubility of amorphous layers. This result sheds light on the design of radiation-tolerant materials for advanced nuclear reactor applications.