Abstract
Grain boundaries in metamorphic rocks were obsereved by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Most of the boundaries have no distinct secondary phases at a nanometer scale. Not only between the same kind of minerals but also between different minerals, mineral grains are directly connected at their boundaries, showing that the structual width of the grain boundaries is less than 0.5nm. Grain boundaries with spheroidal voids are observed in the boundaries. It can be concluded that this type of grain boundary is formed by the healing of microcracks. Low-index plane boundaries are well-developed, showing that this type of boundary has low grain boundary energy. Local structural modification, indicating the segregation of impurities, in grain boundaries is observed. The present results show that the actual width of the grain boundary in rocks is too small for the grain boundary diffusion to be as the dominant transport mechanism.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
