In contrast to conventional structural studies of grain boundary structure using transmission electron microscopy, this approach allows the non-destructive measurement of macroscopic samples.
In one of the boundaries, the Ni segregation induces a structural transformation to a new metastable grain boundary structure.
As a whole, the concurrent increase in both strength and ductility shows that control of grain boundary structure is a promising pathway for the design of optimized structural materials.
Najmaei, S. et al. Vapour Phase Growth and Grain Boundary Structure of Molybdenum Disulphide Atomic Layers.
Figure 2: High-resolution TEM images of grain boundary structure in nanocrystalline Cu-Zr alloys.
The triple phase boundary structure in solid-oxide fuel cells largely determines the thermodynamics and kinetics of electrochemical processes therein.
Solanki, K., Tschopp, M., Bhatia, M. & Rhodes, N. Atomistic Investigation of the Role of Grain Boundary Structure on Hydrogen Segregation and Embrittlement in α-Fe.
As a result, damage tolerant grain boundaries should be the key to designing ductile nanocrystalline metals, making control of grain boundary structure a priority.
Fresnel fringe imaging24 was used to identify interfacial films, followed by high-resolution TEM for detailed characterization of grain boundary structure and measurement of AIF thickness.
Tschopp, M. A., Gao, F., Yang, L. & Solanki, K. N. Binding energetics of substitutional and interstitial helium and di-helium defects with grain boundary structure in α-Fe.
Uberuaga, B. P., Vernon, L. J., Martinez, E. & Voter, A. F. The relationship between grain boundary structure, defect mobility, and grain boundary sink efficiency.
