Combination of electrochemical hydrogenation and Mossbauer spectroscopy asa tool to show the radiation effect of energetic heavy ions in Fe-Zr amorphous alloys

Radiation effects of energetic heavy ion irradiation in Fe-Zr amorphous all oys were investigated by the help of Mossbauer spectroscopy, X-ray diffract ion and electrolytical hydrogenation. The electrolytical hydrogenation of n on-irradiated and irradiated samples was carried out by a unique cathodic p otential ( - 1000 mV versus SHE). The combination of electrolytical hydroge nation and Mossbauer analysis gives a very sensitive method for detecting s tructural changes of these amorphous alloys. It was found that the structur al changes in the amorphous state, which are undetectable without hydrogena tion by Mossbauer spectroscopy, modify the localization and the concentrati on of introduced hydrogen, and are reflected in a significant change of mag netic hyperfine interaction. The results can be associated with structural changes due to the effect of energetic heavy ion irradiation. (C) 2000 Else vier Science S.A. All rights reserved.