Origin of radiation tolerance in 3C-SiC with nanolayered planar defects.

We have recently found that the radiation tolerance of SiC is highly enhanced by introducing nanolayers of stacking faults and twins [Y. Zhang et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 14, 13429 (2012)]. To reveal the origin of this radiation resistance, we used in situ transmission electron microscopy to examine structural changes induced by electron beam irradiation in 3C-SiC containing nanolayers of (111) planar defects. We found that preferential amorphization, when it does occur, takes place at grain boundaries and at [formula] and [formula] planar defects. Radiation-induced point defects, such as interstitials and vacancies, migrate two-dimensionally between the (111) planar defects, which probably enhances the damage recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]