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At least 451 records · Page 25

XRD and EBSD analysis of anisotropic microstructure development in cold rolled F138 stainless steel

The microstructural characteristics of deformation-processed materials highly influence their mechanical properties. For a complete characterization of a microstructure both local and global information must be gathered, which requires the combination of different analysis techniques. X-ray and Electron Backscatter Diffraction were used in the present paper to characterize the deformation induced in a cold rolled F138 austenitic stainless steel sample. The results obtained using laboratory and synchrotron X-ray sources were compared and combined with EBSD quantitative results, allowing the global and local characterization and orientation dependence of the deformation microstructure. A particular behavior was observed in the XRD data corresponding to the planes with < 220 >∥ ND, likely due to a smaller amount of defects accumulated in the crystals with that particular orientation. EBSD was used to separate the scans data into partitions and to calculate misorientation variables and parameters, showing that this behavior can be attributed to a combination of larger grain sizes, lower local boundary misorientations and dislocation densities for crystals having < 220 >∥ ND. Several conclusions, of general validity for the evaluation of microstructure anisotropy, can be extracted from the results. - Highlights: •Combined XRD and EBSD for studying microstructure gave a superb insight on anisotropic accumulation of defects. •W-H and CMWP methods were applied for checking consistency of results. •XRD showed that a smaller accumulation of defects occurred in crystals with < 220 >∥ ND. •High brilliance X-ray beam allowed to study the anisotropy of defect accumulation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effects of build orientation and heat treatment on the evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties of alloy Mar-M-509 fabricated via laser powder bed fusion

We present the main results from an experimental investigation into the consequences of various microstructural features, created by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) and subsequent heat treatments (HTs), in alloy Mar-M-509 on several aspects of plastic deformation including mechanical anisotropy and elongation-to-fracture (ETF). To ensure successful manufacturing of the alloy, porosity fraction and distribution are first characterized using micro X-ray computed tomography. Next, grain structure, crystallographic texture, and regions of recrystallization in the studied microstructures are measured using electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD). Lastly, chemistry, distribution, and morphological features of carbide phases are extracted using electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Strength in tension and compression are measured at room temperature for different initial microstructures created by variations in manufacturing conditions and sample orientations with respect to sample processing frame. While the strength of the alloy varies with sample orientation by approximately 30% in the as-built condition, the alloy is softer, more ductile, and approximately isotropic after HT. These results are discussed and critically compared with the data reported for the as-cast material. The alloy manufactured via LPBF is found to be significantly stronger and more ductile than the same alloy produced by casting. The interesting deformation behavior characteristics of the samples in different conditions are explained in terms of their microstructures. EBSD measurements reveal evolution from columnar grains along the build direction favoring a moderately strong <001> fiber texture in the as-built material to equiaxed grains favoring the {110}<001> Goss texture component after subsequent HTs. The major change in grain structure and texture is a result of recrystallization. While carbide phases precipitate primarily at dendrite and cellular interfaces in the as-built material, these phases are both intra-and inter-granular within the HT materials and coarsen with HT duration. These microstructural observations formed bases to rationalize the observed mechanical behavior of the alloy. With this being said, tailoring the alloy performance characteristics with HTs is reported on.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Investigating electrochemical corrosion at Mg alloy-steel joint interface using scanning electrochemical cell impedance microscopy (SECCIM)

Developing strategies to prevent corrosion at the interface of dissimilar metal alloys is challenging because of the presence of heterogenous distribution of galvanic couples and microstructural features that significantly change the corrosion rate. Devising strategies to mitigate this interfacial corrosion requires quantitative and correlative understanding of its surface electrochemical reaction. In this work, scanning electrochemical cell impedance microscopy (SECCIM) was employed to study location-specific corrosion in the interfacial region of dissimilar alloys, such as AZ31 (magnesium alloy) and DP590 (steel) welded using the Friction-stir Assisted Scribe Technique (FAST) processes. Herein, SECCM and SECCIM were used to perform correlative mapping of the local electrochemical impedance spectroscopic and potentiodynamic polarization to measure the effect of electronic and microstructural changes in the welded interfacial region on corrosion kinetics. Microstructural characterization including scanning electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction was performed to correlate changes in microstructural features and chemistry with the corresponding electronic properties that affect corrosion behavior. The variations in corrosion potential, corrosion current density, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy behavior across the interface provide deeper insights on the interfacial region—which is chemically and microstructurally distinct from both bare AZ31 and DP590 that can help prevent corrosion in dissimilar metal structures.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Outstanding Natural Occurrence of TiO2-II at the Chicxulub Crater - Anatomy of A Shock-Produced High-Pressure Polymorph

Scientific drilling of the end-Cretaceous, approximately 180 kilometers-diameter Chicxulub crater (Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico) during IODP–ICDP (Integrated Ocean Drilling Program - International Continental Scientific Drilling Program) Expedition 364 has provided new insights into the formation, shock metamorphism, structural evolution, and thermal history of peak rings in large complex impact craters. An outstanding feature in uplifted granitoid rocks of the Chicxulub peak ring is the preservation of TiO2-II, an orthorhombic high-pressure polymorph of TiO2 with an alpha-PbO2 structure, produced during the impact from rutile and/or anatase at shock pressures of approximately 12.5-17.5 gigapascals. Unlike other mostly micro- and cryptocrystalline occurrences of TiO2-II at terrestrial impact sites, ejecta deposits, and in rare ultra-high pressure metamorphic rocks, TiO2-II at Chicxulub occurs as abundant euhedral crystals greater than or equal to 70 microns in size within aggregates of altered magmatic titanite. This mode of occurrence provides an excellent opportunity to investigate the crystallography and transformation kinetics of the shock-produced high-pressure polymorph using scanning electron microscopic, micro-Raman, electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), focused ion beam (FIB), as well as transmission-EBSD and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) techniques. Here we present refined microstructural and new crystallographic results for TiO2-II at the Chicxulub crater.

Schmieder, Martin↗

Apollo Sample 64455: Petrologic and Geochemical Characterization of a Glass-Coated Impact Melt Rock

Introduction and Background: Impact melts are a key product of the impact cratering process. Impact melts can turbulently entrain pre-existing rock fragments, and melt part of those entrained materials until thermal equilibrium is achieved [1–3]. Lunar impact melt rocks are valuable for determining the precise ages of basin-forming and cratering events, which anchor the cratering chronology and dynamics of the entire solar system [4, and references therein]. Additionally, entrained clasts can inform on the petrology and age of crustal materials that predate the melt-forming impact. In lithologies where no pristine samples are available, entrained materials may hold the record of endogenous lunar volatiles, provided we can untangle their impact histories as high temperature impact melt can heat the clasts and may alter their native volatiles or isotopic signatures [5–6]. Here, we characterize an Apollo 16 sample, 64455,70B, in an effort to understand the physical, microstructural, and geochemical consequences of impact melt contact metamorphism. We acquired optical light and x-ray maps of the sample, as well as quantitative analyses via electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). These tasks allow us to better understand the interaction between impact melts and entrained clasts, ultimately closing knowledge gaps in high-temperature impact processing on planetary surfaces. Sample Description: Sample 64455 is an oblong crystalline rock encased in glass to form an egg-like shape [7–8]. The impact melt coating has altered the outer (1 to 2 mm) rind of the crystalline rock and has preserved schlieren. The interior crystalline rock is likely a crystalline impact melt rock based on its bulk Ir content of 2.25 parts per billion [9]. The composition of the impact melt glass rind cannot be solely derived from the crystalline interior, the glassy rind is more aluminous and less magnesian [10]. Neither the crystalline interior nor the glassy rind were radiometrically age dated, although several studies investigated its cosmogenic isotopes and exposure ages, which reveal the sample was exposed on the lunar surface for ~1–2 Ma [11–13]. Preliminary Results: The interior crystalline rock consists primarily of plagioclase with interstitial pyroxene and olivine. Plagioclase grains are zoned and compositions range from An97–89, while pyroxene compositions generally range from En68Fs19Wo13 to En82Fs15Wo3 and olivine are Fo77 to Fo85. Minor phases include Fe-Ni metal, Ca-phosphates, a K- and Si-rich phase, sulfides, and Fe-phosphides. The glass rind contains approximately 44 wt.% SiO2, 25 wt.% Al2O3, 6 wt.% FeO, 8 wt.% MgO, and 14 wt.% CaO, with other oxides at <1 wt.% each, although the composition of the glass becomes more variable closest to the crystalline rock. The rind consists of rounded plagioclase, pyroxene, and olivine crystals with interstitial melt. In some locations, the rounded crystals are surrounded by closely-packed, blade-like crystals, <5 µm in width. These results indicate that the crystalline interior has partially melted where in contact with the high-temperature impact melt and while further investigation is needed, pyroxene may have preferentially melted relative to olivine and plagioclase. Future Work: We plan to conduct electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) mapping in order to determine crystallinity and crystal orientation. Next using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) data in conjunction with EBSD and EPMA information, we will model the diffusion of moderately volatile elements between the melt and remnant crystals.

A C Stadermann↗

Crystallographic analysis of rock grain orientation at meso- and microscale levels

This paper studies the results of electron backscatter diffraction analysis of naturally deformed polycrystalline olivine. It also defines the dependence of lattice-preferred orientations of grains on their microstructural position and size. The authors detect the basic mechanisms, consequence and thermal dynamic modes of deformation. They also show that the development of a polycrystalline structure is determined by the following consecutive activation of sliding systems (010)[100] → (0kl)[100] → (100)[010] → (100)[001] → (110)[001], when dislocation sliding and diffusion creep change under the temperature decrease from 1000°C to 650°C.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Deformation textures of aluminum in a multilayered Ti/Al/Nb composite severely deformed by accumulative roll bonding

The accumulative roll bonding process was carried out to produce multilayered Ti/Al/Nb composites up to four cycles. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy electron backscattered diffraction and nanoindentation were employed to investigate the microstructural and texture evolution. A homogenous distribution of Ti/Nb necking layers in Al matrix was achieved after four ARB cycles. Grain refinement was observed to increase with increasing number of ARB cycles. The fraction of high-angle grain boundaries as also increased. Strong recrystallization texture appeared for high number of ARB cycles due to the adiabatic heat that occurs during ARB processing. The shear band at the Ti/Al interface reduced the intensity of the cold rolling fiber textures of Al. There was no evidence of shear component from the orientation distribution function results.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effect of Strain Rate on the Tensile Behavior of CoCrFeNi and CoCrFeMnNi High-Entropy Alloys

High-entropy alloys (HEAs), a novel class of metal alloys, have been receiving increasing attention from the scientific community. HEAs have the potential to be used in critical load-bearing applications in replacement of conventional alloys such as stainless steel and nickel-base superalloys. Tensile experiments at quasi-static to dynamic strain rates (10{sup −4}-10{sup 3} s{sup −1}) were performed on two single-phase face-centered cubic HEAs, CoCrFeNi and CoCrFeMnNi. Electron backscatter diffraction was used to study the microstructure of the samples before the experiments, and transmission electron microscopy was performed postmortem. The dominant deformation mechanisms were dislocation slip at quasi-static strain rates with the addition of deformation nano-twins at dynamic strain rates. Ultimate dynamic tensile strength and ductility improved with the increase in strain rate, which can be attributed to the activation of deformation nano-twins in HEAs. CoCrFeNi and CoCrFeMnNi both have low stacking fault energies, which could promote twinning at high strain rates to accommodate plastic deformation. The strain rate sensitivity of the flow stress increased with increasing strain rate, beginning with negligible strain rate sensitivity in the quasi-static range to high strain rate sensitivity in the dynamic range. CoCrFeMnNi showed greater strain rate sensitivity of flow stress. CoCrFeNi, with less configurational entropy, had higher mechanical properties and strain-hardening rates compared to CoCrFeMnNi, which was attributed to the weakening effect of the addition of Mn on the solid solution hardening.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Microstructure characterization and elastic-plastic self-consistent simulation studies of anisotropic deformation of β -tin

Uniaxial compression tests of 99.9% pure polycrystalline $β$-tin (Sn) were conducted at various strain rates (10 -3 /s, 10 -1 /s and 1/s) and temperatures (294 K and 193 K) to understand the effects of these variables on the stress–strain response, microstructure evolution, and stress relaxation behavior. Multiple Sn specimens were subjected to complex compressive loading/unloading/reloading paths at different strain rates. Specimens initially compressed at higher strain rates showed strain rate-dependent texture evolution and more pronounced relaxation upon reloading, as compared to those pre-strained at lower rates at room temperature (RT). Compression tests conducted at low temperature (193 K) revealed increased strength, similar to the enhanced strength observed when the strain rate was increased at RT. Neutron diffraction was employed to characterize the initial and final bulk textures of the RT specimens. Electron backscatter diffraction was utilized to examine the crystallographic grain orientation and morphology, thereby identifying the signatures of dislocation-mediated deformation, grain refinement, recrystallization, and twinning behaviors. Elastic-plastic self-consistent simulations were performed to investigate the deformation modes responsible for the strain rate-dependent macroscopic stress–strain response and texture evolution. Effects of crystallographic orientation on stress relaxation behavior was also examined. In conclusion, the model predictions are in reasonable agreement with experimental observations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Carbon impurities on graphene synthesized by chemical vapor deposition on platinum

We report nanocrystalline carbon impurities coexisting with graphene synthesized via chemical vapor deposition on platinum. For certain growth conditions, we observe micron-size island-like impurity layers which can be mistaken for second graphene layers in optical microscopy or scanning electron microscopy. The island orientation depends on the crystalline orientation of the Pt, as shown by electron backscatter diffraction, indicating growth of carbon at the platinum surface below graphene. Dark-field transmission electron microscopy indicates that in addition to uniform single-crystal graphene, our sample is decorated with nanocrystalline carbon impurities with a spatially inhomogeneous distribution. The impurity concentration can be reduced significantly by lowering the growth temperature. Raman spectra show a large D peak, however, electrical characterization shows high mobility (∼8000 cm{sup 2}/Vs), indicating a limitation for Raman spectroscopy in characterizing the electronic quality of graphene.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

EBSD characterization of high-temperature phase transformations in an Al-Si coating on Cr-Mo steel

5Cr-0.5Mo steel was coated by hot-dipping in a molten bath containing Al-10 wt.% Si. The phase transformation in the aluminide layer during diffusion at 750 Degree-Sign C in static air was analyzed by electron backscatter diffraction. The results show the aluminide layer of the as-coated specimen consisted of an outer Al-Si topcoat, a middle layer formed of scattered {tau}{sub 5(C)}-Al{sub 7}(Fe,Cr){sub 2}Si particles and minor plate-shaped {tau}{sub 4}-Al{sub 4}FeSi{sub 2} and {tau}{sub 6}-Al{sub 4}FeSi phases in the Al-Si matrix and an inner continuous {tau}{sub 5(H)}-Al{sub 7}Fe{sub 2}Si layer, respectively from the coating surface to the steel substrate. The formation of FeAl{sub 3} and Fe{sub 2}Al{sub 5} with {tau}{sub 1}-(Al,Si){sub 5}Fe{sub 3} precipitates can be observed with increasing exposure time at 750 Degree-Sign C. After 5 h of exposure, the Al-Si topcoat has been consumed, and the aluminide layer consisted of Fe{sub 2}Al{sub 5} and a few {tau}{sub 1}-(Al,Si){sub 5}Fe{sub 3} precipitates. The FeAl phase not only formed at the interface between Fe{sub 2}Al{sub 5} and the steel substrate, but also transformed from {tau}{sub 1}-(Al,Si){sub 5}Fe{sub 3} after diffusion for 10 h. With prolonged exposure, the aluminide layer comprised only FeAl{sub 2} and FeAl. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer EBSD can differentiate phases in aluminide layer with similar chemical compositions. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Mapping and EBSPs functions in EBSD provide a reliable phase identification. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A phase transformation in the aluminide layer has been described in detail. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer 5 Fe-Al-Si and 4 Fe-Al intermetallic phases are performed during the diffusion. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Cubic {tau}{sub 5(C)}-Al{sub 7} (Fe,Cr){sub 2}Si and hexagonal {tau}{sub 5(H)}-Al{sub 7}(Fe,Cr){sub 2}Si are identified.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Potential variation around grain boundaries in BaSi{sub 2} films grown on multicrystalline silicon evaluated using Kelvin probe force microscopy

Potential variations across the grain boundaries (GBs) in a 100 nm thick undoped n-BaSi{sub 2} film on a cast-grown multicrystalline Si (mc-Si) substrate are evaluated using Kelvin probe force microscopy (KFM). The θ-2θ X-ray diffraction pattern reveals diffraction peaks, such as (201), (301), (410), and (411) of BaSi{sub 2}. Local-area electron backscatter diffraction reveals that the a-axis of BaSi{sub 2} is tilted slightly from the surface normal, depending on the local crystal plane of the mc-Si. KFM measurements show that the potentials are not significantly disordered in the grown BaSi{sub 2}, even around the GBs of mc-Si. The potentials are higher at GBs of BaSi{sub 2} around Si GBs that are formed by grains with a Si(111) face and those with faces that deviate slightly from Si(111). Thus, downward band bending occurs at these BaSi{sub 2} GBs. Minority carriers (holes) undergo a repelling force near the GBs, which may suppress recombination as in the case of undoped n-BaSi{sub 2} epitaxial films on a single crystal Si(111) substrate. The barrier height for hole transport across the GBs varies in the range from 10 to 55 meV. The potentials are also higher at the BaSi{sub 2} GBs grown around Si GBs composed of grains with Si(001) and Si(111) faces. The barrier height for hole transport ranges from 5 to 55 meV. These results indicate that BaSi{sub 2} GBs formed on (111)-dominant Si surfaces do not have a negative influence on the minority-carrier properties, and thus BaSi{sub 2} formed on underlayers, such as (111)-oriented Si or Ge and on (111)-oriented mc-Si, can be utilized as a solar cell active layer.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Electron-beam-induced current at absorber back surfaces of Cu(In,Ga)Se{sub 2} thin-film solar cells

The present work reports on investigations of the influence of the microstructure on electronic properties of Cu(In,Ga)Se{sub 2} (CIGSe) thin-film solar cells. For this purpose, ZnO/CdS/CIGSe stacks of these solar cells were lifted off the Mo-coated glass substrates. The exposed CIGSe backsides of these stacks were investigated by means of electron-beam-induced current (EBIC) and cathodoluminescence (CL) measurements as well as by electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD). EBIC and CL profiles across grain boundaries (GBs), which were identified by EBSD, do not show any significant changes at Σ3 GBs. Across non-Σ3 GBs, on the other hand, the CL signals exhibit local minima with varying peak values, while by means of EBIC, decreased and also increased short-circuit current values are measured. Overall, EBIC and CL signals change across non-Σ3 GBs always differently. This complex situation was found in various CIGSe thin films with different [Ga]/([In]+[Ga]) and [Cu]/([In]+[Ga]) ratios. A part of the EBIC profiles exhibiting reduced signals across non-Σ3 GBs can be approximated by a simple model based on diffusion of generated charge carriers to the GBs.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

The correlation of local deformation and stress-assisted local phase transformations in MMC foams

Cellular structures are of growing interest for industry, and are of particular importance for lightweight applications. In this paper, a special case of metal matrix composite foams (MMCs) is investigated. The investigated foams are composed of austenitic steel exhibiting transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) and magnesia partially stabilized zirconia (Mg-PSZ). Both components exhibit martensitic phase transformation during deformation, thus generating the potential for improved mechanical properties such as strength, ductility, and energy absorption capability. The aim of these investigations was to show that stress-assisted phase transformations within the ceramic reinforcement correspond to strong local deformation, and to determine whether they can trigger martensitic phase transformations in the steel matrix. To this end, in situ interrupted compression experiments were performed in an X-ray computed tomography device (XCT). By using a recently developed registration algorithm, local deformation could be calculated and regions of interest could be defined. Corresponding cross sections were prepared and used to analyze the local phase composition by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The results show a strong correlation between local deformation and phase transformation. - Graphical abstract: Display Omitted - Highlights: • In situ compressive deformation on MMC foams was performed in an XCT. • Local deformation fields and their gradient amplitudes were estimated. • Cross sections were manufactured containing defined regions of interest. • Local EBSD phase analysis was performed. • Local deformation and local phase transformation are correlated.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effects of heat treatment and build orientation on the evolution of $ϵ$ and $α'$ martensite and strength during compressive loading of additively manufactured 304L stainless steel

In this paper, the effect of heat-treatment and build orientation on martensitic phase transformation in additively manufactured (AM) 304L stainless steel is studied and compared with conventionally produced wrought material. The relationships between observed martensitic transformations and material microstructures and their effects on mechanical strength are established through experimental observations. In situ high-energy X-ray powder diffraction measurements were performed to monitor the evolution of $ϵ$ and $α'$ martensite during compressive loading of stainless steel. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) was used to provide insight on initial grain morphology, crystallographic misorientation within grains, and crystallographic texture. Heat treatment alters the microstructure of AM samples creating different initial conditions. This difference in starting microstructure resulted in variability in martensitic transformation during compressive deformation. The rate of martensitic transformation decreased for AM samples treated with temperatures up to 1100°C, after which the AM microstructures recrystallized, resulting in increased rate of martensitic transformation for those samples treated at higher temperatures. It was also observed that aligning the axis of compression with the AM build direction resulted in a lower rate of strain-induced martensite formation as opposed to aligning the compression axis perpendicular to it. More favorable distribution of crystal orientations in the latter loading orientation promoted martensitic transformation. These and additional experimental observations from EBSD in terms of kernel average misorientation, mean grain orientation spread, and mean crystallite size reveal strong microstructural effects on strength of additively manufactured metallic materials.

304L stainless steel↗

Control of Weld Residual Stress in a Thin Steel Plate through Low Transformation Temperature Welding Consumables

Low transformation temperature welding (LTTW) consumables are characterized by a low martensite start temperature and a large fraction of martensite forming in the weld. It can efficiently reduce the tensile residual stress because the volume expansion associated with the martensitic transformation compensates for the thermal contraction during cooling. In this work, a LTTW wire, designated as EH200B, was created for the arc welding of advanced high-strength steel thin plates. In comparison to conventional ER70S-3 wires, this LTTW wire generated an opposite distortion pattern. Neutron diffraction measurements along the center thickness of the welded plates showed the maximum residual stress along the longitudinal direction (LD) in the weld region, and the heat-affected zone (HAZ) immediately adjacent to the weld region was reduced from ~330 MPa to below 240 MPa by using the LTTW wire. A finite element (FE) model was developed to predict the residual stress distributions of the plates welded under these two wires. The simulation results showed reasonable agreement with the volume-average neutron diffraction data. Compressive residual stress in the weld region using the LTTW wire was predicted by the FE method. Electron backscattered diffraction and x-ray diffraction measurements confirmed ~90% martensite was present in the LTTW weld. The fatigue life of DP980 steel lap joint panels using EH200B wire nearly doubled that of ER70S-3 wire. This improvement was attributed to the high strength and low LD residual stress in the weld and HAZ immediately adjacent to the weld.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Experimental Characterization and Simulation of Slip Transfer at Grain Boundaries and Microstructurally-Sensitive Crack Propagation

A systematic study of crack tip interaction with grain boundaries is critical for improvement of multiscale modeling of microstructurally-sensitive fatigue crack propagation and for the computationally-assisted design of more durable materials. In this study, single, bi- and large-grain multi-crystal specimens of an aluminum-copper alloy are fabricated, characterized using electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), and deformed under tensile loading and nano-indentation. 2D image correlation (IC) in an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) is used to measure displacements near crack tips, grain boundaries and within grain interiors. The role of grain boundaries on slip transfer is examined using nano-indentation in combination with high-resolution EBSD. The use of detailed IC and EBSD-based experiments are discussed as they relate to crystal-plasticity finite element (CPFE) model calibration and validation.

Gupta, Vipul↗

Transmission EBSD (t-EBSD) as Tool to Investigate Nanostructures in Superconductors

The transmission electron backscatter diffraction (t-EBSD) technique has proven to be an indispensable tool for the analysis of microstructures of superconducting samples, both high-T{sub c} samples (YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub y}, Bi{sub 2}Sr{sub 2}CaCu{sub 2}O{sub 8}) as well as MgB{sub 2} or iron-based materials. The knowledge of the grain boundary properties (misorientation, length, width) is essential for the further optimization of sample performance. Any addition of secondary phase(s) to improve the flux pinning properties is required to be of nanometer dimensions, so the higher achievable resolution and the better imaging properties are important to obtain reasonably high image quality to enable automated orientation mapping. The orientation maps reveal not only the location and the shape of the inclusions within the superconducting matrix or at the grain boundaries but also their influence on the surrounding superconducting matrix, which also plays an important role in flux pinning. In the case of sintered MgB{sub 2} bulk samples, the demand for higher critical current densities leads to MgB{sub 2} grains in the 100-nm range, which is already difficult to be studied by means of conventional EBSD. Furthermore, t-EBSD is useful for the analysis of specific microstructures of unconventional superconductors like superconducting foams or superconducting nanowire networks.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗