Amorphous intergranular films act as ultra-efficient point defect sinks during collision cascades

Atomistic simulations are used to explore the effect of interfacial structure on residual radiation damage. Specifically, an ordered grain boundary is compared to a disordered amorphous intergranular film, to investigate how interface thickness and free volume impacts point defect recombination. The collision cascades induced by neutron bombardment are simulated and residual point defect populations are analyzed as a function of boundary type and primary knock on atom energy. While ordered grain boundaries easily absorb interstitials, these interfaces are inefficient vacancy sinks. Alternatively, amorphous intergranular films act as ultra-efficient, unbiased defect sinks, providing a path for the creation of radiation-tolerant materials.

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