Structure, stability and defect energetics of interfaces formed between conventional and transformed phases in Cu–Nb layered nanocomposite

Layered nanocomposite material having fcc-bcc interface with Kurdjumov-Sachs interface orientation relation has shown great potential as radiation resistant structural material for future fusion energy reactors. The superior radiation resistant properties of this material are attributed to it’s special fcc-bcc interface structure. In this study we have reported a stable interface between conventional bcc phase of Nb and transformed bcc phase of Cu. This bcc-bcc interface is found to be stable from both strain-energy and dynamical stability analysis. We have also shown that the bcc-bcc interface has different defect energetics behaviour compared to previously reported fcc-bcc interface which has a negative impact on the self annihilation property of the material against radiation induced defects. These aspects should be carefully considered in the future design of robust layered material for extreme radiation environment.

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