Fast neutron irradiation of A-203 steel — recovery studies

A-203 steel has been irradiated by fast neutrons to fluences of 1 × 10²² and 1.25 × 10²² n/m². The isochronal annealing studies have been carried out from 333 to 913 K. The results show a recovery peak at ˜ 385 K, which has been explained to arise due to migration of carbon and carbon-vacancy complexes. After this stage the resistivity instead of decreasing starts increasing. This has been explained on the basis of increase of short range ordering on annealing. The influence of nickel and carbon on the recovery behaviour has also been discussed.