Electron backscatter diffraction-analysis of deformed micro-milled commercially pure-titanium specimens at different strain values

Abstract

Abstract The surface structuring process micro-milling introduces small grooves, which act as geometrical notches and influence the mechanical properties of the component, into the surface. The mechanical behaviour depends on the relation of the notch size to the grain size. Micro-milling processes were applied to improve the functional properties of component surfaces. They are used in mechanically loaded environments as well as in biotechnological applications. Therefore, commercially-pure-titanium is a favoured material of investigation. To determine the effect of the notches, a detailed analysis of the deformation behaviour of the structured material is indispensable. In the present work, structured specimens were tested under quasi-static loading. The testing was interrupted at different strain values. The micro-sections of the specimens were characterized by means of electron backscatter diffraction analysis to obtain information about the first indication of plastic deformation and the development of the deformation features. The results show inhomogeneous deformation behaviour of the material. The deformation mechanisms, the development of small angle and high angle grain boundaries as well as twinning are shown.