Determination of amorphization oxide layers, mobilization and functional groups on ZrC nanocrystals under high gamma irradiation

Abstract

This research investigates the microstructure and surface morphology of ZrC nanocrystals irradiated with gamma quanta at energy levels of 1.17 MeV and 1.33 MeV, with absorption doses of 1500 and 3000 kGy. A 60Co isotope served as the gamma radiation source, and experiments were conducted under normal atmospheric conditions at room temperature. Analysis techniques included Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM—ZEISS, ΣIGMA VP), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM—Talos F200i). Gamma radiation induced the formation of new functional groups, transformed chemical bonds, and created active oxide centers on ZrC crystal surfaces. SEM results indicated nanoparticle mobilization with increased radiation absorption doses, while TEM analyses revealed amorphous oxide layers and a particle size increase to 23.46 nm at 3000 kGy.