Physical Metallurgy Laboratory

The SRMP's mission is to develop basic knowledge on materials for low carbon energies (nuclear, photovoltaic, storage) including the behaviour of materials under irradiation. This application-driven research addresses key challenges, such as the long-term operation of materials in existing nuclear systems, the development of materials for next generation and fusion reactors or the design and selection of materials for renewable energies (photovoltaic, high energy density batteries). The materials studied are most often model materials which range from metals and alloys (Fe, Fe-Cr alloys, Fe-Mn, face-centered cubic and cubic metals, Ni, Fe-Ni, Al, hexagonal metals, Zr and Ti ) ceramics (B4C), oxides (UO2), polymers or other iono-covalent materials such as hybrid perovskites or silicon-based systems.
These studies bring together a theoretical approach, numerical simulations and experiences at nanoscale. For studying radiation in materials, we use mainly ion irradiations from the JANNuS-Saclay triple beam platform. We have also access to irradiation with high energy ions at GANIL, and with electrons from the HV TEM at SRMA and from SIRIUS at LSI. Pristine and irradiated materials are analysed using microstructural characterizations like TEM, APT, XRD and Raman, or using synchrotron such as SOLEIL especially the MARS and DiffAbs beam lines .

• Mr Jean-Luc BECHADE