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Title: Developing grain boundary diagrams as a materials science tool: A case study of nickel-doped molybdenum

Journal Article · · Physical Review. B, Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
;  [1]
  1. School of Materials Science and Engineering, Center for Optical Materials Science and Engineering Technologies, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634 (United States)

Impurity-based, premelting-like, grain boundary (GB) ''phases'' (complexions) can form in alloys and influence sintering, creep, and microstructural development. Calculation of Phase Diagrams (CalPhaD) methods and Miedema-type statistical interfacial thermodynamic models are combined to forecast the formation and stability of subsolidus quasiliquid GB phases in binary alloys. This work supports a long-range scientific goal of developing ''GB (phase) diagrams'' as a new materials science tool to help controlling the materials fabrication processing and resultant materials properties. Using nickel-doped molybdenum as a model system, a type of GB diagram (called ''{lambda} diagram'') is computed to represent the temperature- and composition-dependent thermodynamic tendency for general GBs to disorder. Subsequently, controlled sintering experiments are conducted to estimate the GB diffusivity as a function of temperature and overall composition, and the experimental results correlate well with the computed GB diagram. Although they are not yet rigorous GB-phase diagrams with well-defined transition lines, the predictability and usefulness of such {lambda} diagrams are demonstrated. Related interfacial thermodynamic models and computational approaches are discussed.

OSTI ID:
21596814
Journal Information:
Physical Review. B, Condensed Matter and Materials Physics, Vol. 84, Issue 1; Other Information: DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.84.014105; (c) 2011 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1098-0121
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English