Abstract
We present a new approach to study the three-
dimensional compositional and structural evolution of metal
alloys during heat treatments such as commonly used for
improving overall material properties. It relies on in situ
heating in a high-resolution scanning transmission electron
microscope (STEM). The approach is demonstrated using a
commercial Al alloy AA2024 at 100
−
240
°
C, showing in
unparalleled detail where and how precipitates nucleate, grow,
or dissolve. The observed size evolution of individual
precipitates enables a separation between nucleation and
growth phenomena, necessary for the development of re
fi
ned
growth models. We conclude that the in situ heating STEM
approach opens a route to a much faster determination of the interplay between local compositions, heat treatments,
microstructure, and mechanical properties of new alloys
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 384-389 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Nano Letters |
Volume | 14 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2014 |