Small Lead and Indium Inclusions in Aluminium

Abstract

ABSTRACTIon implantation of lead or indium into aluminium results in spontaneous phase separation and formation of lead or indium precipitates. The precipitates grow in topotactical alignment with the matrix, giving TEM images characterized by moiré fringes. The size and density of the precipitates increase with increasing fluence until coalescence begins to occur. Implantations at elevated temperatures lead to formation of larger precipitates with well developed facets. This is particularly significant for implantations above the bulk melting point of the implanted species. Melting and solidification have been followed by in-situ TEM heating and cooling experiments. Superheating up to ∼ 50 K above the bulk melting point has been observed, and the largest inclusions melt first. Melting is associated with only partial loss of facetting of the largest inclusions. Initial growth of the inclusions occurs by trapping of atoms retained in supersaturated solution. Further growth occurs by coalescence of neighbouring inclusions in the liquid phase. Solidification is accompanied by a strong undercooling ∼ 30 K below the bulk melting point, where the smallest inclusions solidify first. Solidification is characterized by spontaneous restoration of the facets and the topotactical alignment.