Surface morphology and phase stability of titanium irradiated with 168 MeV 136Xe ions

Abstract A titanium sample was irradiated with Xe 168 MeV energy at fluences of 1 × 1014, 2.2 × 1014, and 5 × 1014 ions · m−2. Changes induced by the ions with irradiation were analysed with an atomic force microscope, scanning electron microscope, and X-ray diffractometer. The irradiation at a fluence of 1 × 1014 ions · cm−2 leads to formation of hillocks with a density of 9 × 106 hillocks · cm−2. An increase in the fluence value results in disappearance of the hillocks and formation of void–dislocation lines. The changes in the surface topography are accompanied by a change in the relative content of the hcp (α) and fcc phases. The substantial changes in the crystalline structure (increased content of the fcc phase, reduction of lattice constants, changes in stresses) resulted from irradiation at a fluence of 1 × 1014 ions · cm−2. Irradiation of massive titanium samples with xenon ions at a fluence of 168 MeV 1 × 1014 ions · cm−2 at room temperature leads to a transition of ∼10% of the hexagonally close...