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Deformation in nanocrystalline ceramics: A microstructural study of MgAl2O4
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Deformation in nanocrystalline ceramics: A microstructural study of MgAl2O4

Barak Ratzker, Avital Wagner, Maxim Sokol, Louisa Meshi, Sergey Kalabukhov and Nachum Frage
Acta materialia, v 183
15 Jan 2020

Abstract

Dislocations Grain boundary sliding Grain rotation Indentation Nanocrystalline ceramics Shear bands
Contrary to the characteristic strengthening of polycrystalline ceramics with a decrease in grain size, extremely fine nanocrystalline ceramics exhibit softening, increased plasticity and an inverse Hall-Petch relation. Despite experimental evidence, questions remain regarding the underlying deformation mechanisms governing this abnormal mechanical behavior. In the present study, an in-depth microstructural examination was performed on nanostructured transparent magnesium aluminate spinel (MgAl2O4) subjected to microhardness tests. Microstructural observations revealed regions strained to various degrees below the point of indentation, containing varying amounts of dislocations and nano-cavities. Furthermore, the residual strain in different areas was estimated by local electron diffraction. These observations and analysis provided evidence for grain boundary (GB) mediated mechanisms (e.g., GB sliding and rotation). Moreover, shear bands formed and were found to be associated with micro-cracking. By combining the microstructural analysis with suitable models, it was concluded that these mechanisms govern plastic deformation. By elucidating how strain is accommodated within nanocrystalline ceramics, a deeper understanding of their unique mechanical behavior is gained. [Display omitted]

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
International collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
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