In-situ TEM observation of shear induced microstructure evolution in Cu-Nb alloy

Abstract Phase boundaries in multiphase alloys govern defect interaction and chemical intermixing across different phases during plastic deformation. Dynamic interaction of defects with phase boundaries in multiphase alloys, especially for immiscible alloys, has generated more research interest in recent years. Here, we describe a novel approach for carrying out in-situ TEM shear deformation to directly observe interfacial microstructural evolution of a Cu-Nb alloy. A unique double shear specimen geometry is microfabricated by a focused ion beam technique to apply shear deformation upon push loading inside the TEM. From the real-time observation, we discover that the phase boundary with a zigzag morphology effectively blocks stacking faults nucleated in a Cu grain from slipping into a Nb grain. Meanwhile, the Cu phase bears the most plastic deformation through slip or twinning mechanisms. This work sheds light on understanding the shear deformation and the behavior of phase boundaries in multiphase alloys during shear deformation.