Surface stability of Mo-based compositionally complex alloys and evidence of radiation-induced dynamic recrystallization

Body-centered cubic (BCC) compositionally complex alloys (CCAs) are promising candidate materials for nuclear reactor components due to their exceptional high-temperature strength, void swelling resistance, and suppression of radiation-induced damage. This study investigates the influence of chemical additions in single-phase Mo-based alloys and the corresponding microstructural response to extreme ion implantation. Using advanced characterization techniques, we observe radiation-induced surface modification including evidence of dynamic recrystallization in concert with helium bubble suppression that is emphasized within concentrated alloys. This study offers experimental insight toward recrystallization within CCAs, highlighting the potential for alloying to induce dynamic microstructural transformations under irradiation that may be tuned in the development of more radiation-tolerant materials.