Etchpits and dislocations along grain boundaries, sliplines and polygonization walls

Abstract

This paper describes some preliminary results of a study of the distribution of dislocations in crystals of rock salt by means of the etching process. It is shown that a one to one relation can be established between dislocations and etchpits. This applies as well to dislocations in small angle grain boundaries, as to dislocations produced by slip. Both Taylor and Burgers dislocations etch. In particular, formulae for the dislocation density in asymmetrical pure tilt boundaries are verified. The mixed character (tilt and twist) of a particular boundary could be visualized. It was further shown that etchpits are produced along slip traces, visible as well as invisible ones.