The effect of neutron irradiation and subsequent thermal treatment on the electrical resistivity of α-phase Cu-Al alloys has been studied. It is found that a solid-state reaction that causes a decrease in resistivity is triggered or accelerated by irradiation at 32–45°C. The effect is absent in pure copper and increases with aluminum content. The resistivity decrease for the 15 atomic per cent aluminum alloy is about 0.2 μΩ-cm. When the irradiation is conducted at −120°C, no decrease in resistivity is observed, but the decrease in resistivity sets in upon subsequent warming above −50°C. Several explanations for these effects are discussed.

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solidstate reaction electrical resistivity

M.S. Wechsler and R.H. Kernohan,.Neutron-irradiation effects on copper-aluminum alloys. 7 (4),307-326.

M.S. Wechsler and R.H. Kernohan,"Neutron-irradiation effects on copper-aluminum alloys" 7

M.S. Wechsler and R.H. Kernohan,"Neutron-irradiation effects on copper-aluminum alloys"