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Register a new userGrain Boundary Segregation Transitions and Critical Phenomena in Binary Regular Solutions: A Systematics of Complexion Diagrams with Universal Characters
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A systematics of grain boundary (GB) segregation transitions and critical phenomena has been derived to expand the classical GB segregation theory. This study uncovers when GB layering vs. prewetting transitions should occur and how they are related to one another. Moreover, a novel descriptor, normalized segregation strength, is introduced. It can represent several factors that control GB segregation, including strain and bond energies for both general and small-angle GBs, as well as misorientation for small-angle GBs, which had to be treated separately in prior models. In a strong segregation system with a large normalized segregation strength, first-order layering transitions occur at low temperatures and become continuous above GB roughing temperatures. With reducing normalized segregation strength, the layering transitions gradually merge and finally lump into prewetting transitions without quantized layer numbers, akin to Cahns critical-point wetting model. Furthermore, GB complexion diagrams with universal characters are constructed as the GB counterpart to the classical exemplar of Pelton-Thompson regular-solution binary bulk phase diagrams.
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Mg grain boundary (GB) segregation and GB diffusion can impact the processing and properties of Al-Mg alloys. Yet, Mg GB diffusion in Al has not been measured experimentally or predicted by simulations. We apply atomistic computer simulations to predict the amount and the free energy of Mg GB segregation, and the impact of segregation on GB diffusion of both alloy components. At low temperatures, Mg atoms segregated to a tilt GB form clusters with highly anisotropic shapes. Mg diffuses in Al GBs slower than Al itself, and both components diffuse slowly in comparison with Al GB self-diffusion. Thus, Mg segregation significantly reduces the rate of mass transport along GBs in Al-Mg alloys. The reduced atomic mobility can be responsible for the improved stability of the microstructure at elevated temperatures.
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Electric fields and currents, which are used in innovative materials processing and electrochemical energy conversion, can often alter microstructures in unexpected ways. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Using ZnO-Bi2O3 as a model system, this study uncovers how an applied electric current can change the microstructural evolution through an electrochemically induced grain boundary (GB) transition. By combining aberration-corrected electron microscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, first-principles calculations, a generalizable thermodynamic model, and ab initio molecular dynamics, this study reveals that electrochemical reduction can cause a GB disorder-to-order transition to markedly increase GB diffusivities and mobilities. Consequently, abruptly enhanced or abnormal grain growth takes place. These findings advance our fundamental knowledge of GB complexion (phase-like) transitions and electric field effects on microstructural stability and evolution, with broad scientific and technological impacts. A new method to tailor the GB structures and properties, as well as the microstructures, electrochemically can also be envisioned.
Computing the grain boundary (GB) counterparts to bulk phase diagrams represents an emerging research direction with potentially broad impacts. Using a classical embrittlement model system Ga-doped Al, this study demonstrates the feasibility of computing temperature- and composition-dependent GB diagrams to represent not only equilibrium thermodynamic and structural characters, but also mechanical properties. Specifically, hybrid Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics (MC/MD) simulations are used to obtain the equilibrium GB structure as a function of temperature and composition. Simulated GB structures are validated by aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy. Subsequently, MD tensile tests are performed on the simulated equilibrium GB structures. GB diagrams are computed for not only GB adsorption and disorder, but also interfacial structural and chemical widths, MD ultimate strength, and tensile toughness. A model is established to forecast the ductile-to-brittle transition. This study establishes a new paradigm to compute a spectrum of GB diagrams to enable the investigation of the unique GB composition-structure-property relationship.
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