Real-time Atomic Scale Imaging of Nanostructural Evolution in Aluminum Alloys

Journal article (2014)

Authors

S.R.K. Malladi QN/High Resolution Electron Microscopy
Q. Xu QN/High Resolution Electron Microscopy
M.A. van Huis QN/High Resolution Electron Microscopy
F.D. Tichelaar QN/High Resolution Electron Microscopy
KJ Batenburg External organisation
E. Yücelen QN/High Resolution Electron Microscopy
B Dubiel External organisation
A Czyrska-Filemonowicz External organisation
H.W. Zandbergen QN/High Resolution Electron Microscopy
Research Group
QN/High Resolution Electron Microscopy
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Published Date

2014

Language

Undefined/Unknown

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Research Group

QN/High Resolution Electron Microscopy

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 degrees 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 refined 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.