Calculation of Microhardness Changes in 2.5 MeV Proton Irradiation on TSX Grade Graphite Structure

Change in the position of atoms in the material’s crystalline lattice is caused by the radiation. Changes in the macroscopic properties of the material will be created by the change in structure. Knowing the amount of variation of material properties is necessary for materials in high-radiation environments. In this paper, the effect of 2.5 MeV proton irradiation on TSX grade graphite structure is investigated. This graphite is used as a reflector in the Tehran research reactor. The radiation has been carried out with the proton for 276 minutes. Microhardness test, Raman test, and SEM images were used in this study. The results show an increase in the microhardness of the material due to the radiation. Increased vacancy and interstitial clusters have also been observed in the Raman spectrum. The creation of cavities on the surface of irradiated graphite is observed in SEM images. The results can be verified by using the point defect model.