Study of the Surface-Layer Softening Effects in xLi2ZrO3–(1−x)Li4SiO4 Ceramics under Irradiation with He2+ Ions

The study investigates alterations in the mechanical and thermophysical properties of ceramics composed of xLi2ZrO3–(1−x)Li4SiO4 as radiation damage accumulates, mainly linked to helium agglomeration in the surface layer. This research is motivated by the potential to develop lithium-containing ceramics characterized by exceptional strength properties and a resistance to the accumulation of radiation damage and ensuing deformation distortions in the near-surface layer. The study of the radiation damage accumulation processes in the near-surface layer was conducted through intense irradiation of ceramics using He2+ ions at a temperature of 700 °C, simulating conditions closely resembling operation conditions. Following this, a correlation between the accumulation of structural modifications (value of atomic displacements) and variations in strength and thermophysical characteristics was established. During the research, it was observed that two-component ceramics exhibit significantly greater resistance to external influences and damage accumulation related to radiation exposure compared to their single-component counterparts. Furthermore, the composition that provides the highest resistance to softening in two-component ceramics is an equal ratio of the components of 0.5Li2ZrO3–0.5Li4SiO4 ceramics.