Electron irradiation induced structure-phase transformation in low radioactivation chromium-manganese steel

Abstract The irradiation of type EP 838 austenitic stainless steel by electrons in a high-voltage microscopic at room temperature results in decomposition of the solid solution. The decomposition takes place in two stages. The first stage occurs as a spinodal decomposition, which tends to form a lattice of rod-like precipitates oriented along the 〈100〉 direction. The second stage is connected with the formation of needle-shaped precipitates oriented along the 〈110〉 direction. When the alloy is irradiated with the electron beam parallel to the {111} lattice planes, diffuse rings and new diffraction spots are formed.