Preliminary high-resolution electron microscopy study of (1120) oriented Al2O3–Fe interfaces

Abstract A microstructural study of the direct bonding between (1120)-oriented Al2O3 single crystals and Fe has been conducted by transmission electron microscopy and high-resolution electron microscopy. Two orientation relationships have been found between the ceramic and single grains of α-Fe: (1120)Al2O3 //(110)Fe and [0001]Al2O3 //[112]Fe; (1120)Al2O3 /(110)FE and [0001]Al2O3 //[]110]Fe. Although the atomic structure of the interfaces has not been resolved yet, no evidence was found for any interfacial product between the two basic components; also, the presence of a minor quantity of Fe3O4 (magnetite) in the form of fine precipitates homogeneously distributed within the Fe layer has no apparent influence on the crystallography of the interfaces.