Microstructural characteristics, atomic-scale features, and growth mechanisms of deuterides (hydrides) in hafnium
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Published version
Author(s)
Wang, Di
McGilvery, Catriona M
Douglas, James O
Wang, Siyang
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Hafnium hydride is a promising material for next-generation nuclear reactors, particularly as control rods for fast fission and shielding in fusion systems. The material's intrinsic brittleness encourages its use in the form of hydride-metal composites, where the functional and mechanical performance is strongly influenced by the multiscale structure of hydride-matrix interfaces. In this study, we employ a suite of microscopy techniques, including scanning electron microscopy with electron backscatter diffraction, transmission electron microscopy with electron energy-loss spectroscopy, and atom probe tomography, to investigate the deuteride-matrix interfaces in a deuterium-charged Hf alloy. We characterise their structure and chemistry, extracting key information including the deuteride-matrix crystallographic orientation relationship, microstructural features, misfit-induced dislocation distributions, electron energy-loss characteristics, and the segregation of oxygen during deuteride growth. These findings help clarify the mechanisms of interface evolution and may contribute to improved understanding of hydride-metal systems, with potential relevance for their processing, performance, and design in nuclear applications.
Date Issued
2026-01-01
Date Acceptance
2025-12-11
Citation
Materials Characterization, 2026, 231
ISSN
1044-5803
Publisher
Elsevier
Journal / Book Title
Materials Characterization
Volume
231
Copyright Statement
© 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
License URL
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
115904
Date Publish Online
2025-12-12