Reordering and crystallization of silicon carbide amorphized by neutron irradiation

Densification and crystallization kinetics of bulk SiC amorphized by neutron irradiation is studied. The temperature of crystallization onset of this highly pure, fully amorphous bulk SiC was found to be between 875-885°C and crystallization is nearly complete by 950°C. In-situ TEM imaging confirms the onset of crystallization, though thin-film effects apparently alter the kinetics of crystallization above this temperature. It requires > 1125°C for complete crystallization of the TEM foil. Annealing at temperatures between the irradiation and crystallization onset temperature is seen to cause significant densification attributed to a relaxation, or reordering, of the as-amorphized structure.