A review of mixing processes in Ta/Fe and Mo/Fe systems treated by high current electron beams

The review deals with a brief analysis of results on mixing in Ta/Fe and Mo/Fe systems using high current electron beams. Theoretical models of mass-transfer, which the authors used for the interpretation of experimental results obtained after pulsed beam treatment, have been considered. The formation of amorphous phase, intermetalloid phases Fe2Ta, as well as the formation of high dislocation density up to 5 x 10(10) cm(-2) have been shown. A non-equilibrium metastable phase Fe4Mo(Fe80Mo20) and, possibly Fe96Mo4, is formed as a result of irradiation of Mo/Fe system. The formation of a surface complex structure and near surface layers result in an enhancement of corrosion resistance, an increased depth of the hardened layer and a higher resistance to brittle damaging. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.