Slip transfer across grain boundaries in Fe–Si bicrystals

Abstract In situ X-ray diffraction topography using synchrotron radiation (SRXRT) observation of deformation of Fe–4 at.% Si bicrystals Σ3, Σ9 and Σ15 was completed by TEM observation of deformed samples. The results were discussed from the viewpoint of the criteria allowing prediction of slip accommodation at the grain boundary. The common slip system in a Σ3 bicrystal is impeded by dissociation of slip dislocations into grain boundary dislocations. In Σ9 bicrystals, the transfer with highest probability appears simultaneously with independent deformation in both grains. In Σ15 bicrystals, no residual dislocations were observed in the boundary. The slip dislocations contribute to creation of dislocation sources in the boundary.