Modifications induced by swift heavy ions in rapidly solidified Sn-8.5Sb-5.5Cu alloy.

Alloys of composition Sn-8.5Sb-5.5Cu (in atomic percent) were rapidly solidified by a melt-spinning technique. The samples were irradiated at room temperature with GeV uranium ions of fluences between 9×108 and 9×1011 ions cm-2. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the formation of a new-phase Cu11Sb3 as well as a reduction in the axial ratio (c/a) of the matrix (β -Sn) indicating the regular re-arrangement of atoms. Scanning force microscopy showed no surface topographic changes with the ion fluence. The mechanical properties (Young's modulus and hardness) of the irradiated alloys were studied as a function of ion fluence. The radiation-annealing process is discussed in terms of the evolution of both resistivity and hardness as a function of ion fluence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]