Origins of stored enthalpy in cryomilled nanocrystalline Zn

Abstract

Nanocrystalline Zn was prepared by cryomilling (mechanical attrition at liquid nitrogen temperature). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), x-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy were used to study the structural changes and grain size distribution with milling time and subsequent annealing. Maxima in both stored enthalpy (for the low-temperature DSC peak) and lattice strain on the Zn basal planes were observed at the same milling time. Dislocation density on the basal planes is proposed as a major source for lattice strain and the measured stored enthalpy. The released enthalpy that might be due to grain growth is very small.