EPR investigation of structural changes in nanocrystalline 3C-SiC under gamma irradiation
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL, vol.51, no.13, pp.17379-17386, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 51 Issue: 13
- Publication Date: 2025
- Doi Number: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.01.510
- Journal Name: CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Chemical Abstracts Core, Compendex, INSPEC
- Page Numbers: pp.17379-17386
- Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC) Affiliated: No
Abstract
This work explores the impact of gamma irradiation on nanocrystalline 3C-SiC particles, focusing on defect formation and paramagnetic centers using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Broad-range EPR spectra reveal dose-dependent behavior, where increasing radiation from 50 kGy to 3.2 MGy leads to a progressive reduction in signal intensity and peak broadening, indicative of defect accumulation. Narrow-range spectra highlight specific features, such as hyperfine interactions, showing more detailed information about the paramagnetic centers and their interaction with the local atomic environment. Higher radiation doses result in notable shifts in the g-factor, reflecting changes in the electronic environment due to the creation of defects, such as vacancies and antisite complexes. These shifts, along with peak broadening, suggest that increasing defect density alters the spin interactions and magnetic resonance conditions within the material. Moreover, the mechanisms underlying the formation of VSi and VC vacancies were thoroughly investigated as a result of gamma irradiation. These findings demonstrate how gamma irradiation alters the structural and electronic properties of 3C-SiC, with implications for its use in radiation-hardened applications.