Abstract:
MgAl2O4 is a ceramic spinel material with rather high radiation resistance, at least from the point of
view of maintaining its original mechanical and elastic properties [1-4]. That resistance makes this
material suitable for applications in high radiation environments such as anticipated in fusion reactors.
Other environments where MgAl2O4 would be useful are those which require a stable ceramic matrix
such as in nuclear waste containment media or as substrates for optical devices manufactured using
ion implantation. This resistance to radiation has been attributed to its structural characteristics,
although the reason for this behavior is not fully understood. Proposed mechanisms involve a very
high recombination rate of radiation-induced point defects or a very difficult formation of dislocation
loops. In any case, it seems to be related to a exceptional tolerance of this material toward a high
concentration of intrinsic defects even in the absence of radiation.
