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Updated: Jul 25, 2026
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Characterization of Ultra-fine Grained and Nanocrystalline Materials Using Transmission Kikuchi Diffraction
Published on: April 1, 2017
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Scratch-induced microstructure of Ni single crystal: A FIB-TEM study
Chenbang Zhu1, Ying Chen1, Keduo Xia1
1School of Materials, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China.
Micron (Oxford, England : 1993)
|September 26, 2025
Summary
Investigating metal microstructural changes after scratching reveals distinct substructures, including dislocation cells, ultrafine grains, and nanolaminates. This research aids in understanding wear mechanisms and tribology simulations.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Tribology
- Metallurgy
Background:
- Understanding metal microstructural evolution under scratching is crucial for wear and tribology.
- Characterizing substructures provides insights into material deformation mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fully characterize the substructure evolution in the region between a scratch track and unaffected metal in a Nickel (Ni) single crystal.
- To provide experimental data for friction and wear simulations.
Main Methods:
- Focused Ion Beam (FIB) microscopy for electron transparent foil fabrication.
- Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Transmission Kikuchi Diffraction (TKD) for detailed microstructural analysis.
Main Results:
- Four characteristic substructures were identified approaching the scratch track: dislocation cells/tangles (Area I), refined cells/blocks (Area II), ultrafine grains (UFG) (Area III), and nanolaminates (NL) (Area IV).
- A 30 μm × 30 μm electron transparent foil was successfully prepared using FIB.
Conclusions:
- The study reveals a gradient of microstructural evolution from the scratch track.
- These findings offer a critical experimental foundation for computational modeling in tribology and wear research.
