Phase Transformation by 100 keV Electron Irradiation in Partially Stabilized Zirconia

Partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ) is considered for use as an oxygen-sensor material in liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) alloys in the radiation environment of an acceleration-driven system (ADS). To predict its lifetime for operating in an ADS, the effects of radiation on the PSZ were clarified in this study. A tetragonal PSZ was irradiated with 100 keV electrons and analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results indicate that the phase transition in the PSZ, from the tetragonal to the monoclinic phase, was caused after the irradiation. The deposition energy of the lattice and the deposition energy for the displacement damage of a 100 keV electron in the PSZ are estimated using the particle and heavy ion transport code system and the non-ionizing energy loss, respectively. The results suggest that conventional radiation effects, such as stopping power, are not the main mechanism behind the phase transition. The phase transition is known to be caused by the low-temperature degradation of the PSZ and is attributed to the shift of oxygen ions to oxygen sites. When the electron beam is incident to the material, the kinetic energy deposition and excitation-related processes are caused, and it is suggested to be a factor of the phase transition.