Blistering and Exfoliation of Zirconium, Inconel-718, Stainless Steel-316 and Aluminium by 2MeV He+ Beam

Well annealed polycrystalline specimens were bombarded at 10°C, and viewed in situ using an optical microscope. Blister covers emit bright red light and undergo exfoliation. Transition from blistering to exfoliation is studied in detail. Results are in good agreement with a model proposed for blister exfoliation, incorporating the beam heating effects.