Abstract
We show by a combination of computer simulation and experimental characterization guided self-assembly of coherent nano-precipitates into a mesocrystal having a honeycomb structure in bulk materials. The structure consists of different orientation variants of a product phase precipitated out of the parent phase by heterogeneous nucleation on a hexagonal dislocation network. The predicted honeycomb mesocrystal has been confirmed by experimental observations in an Mg-Y-Nd alloy. The structure and lattice parameters of the mesocrystal and the size of the nano-precipitates are readily tuneable, offering ample opportunities to tailor its properties for a wide range of technological applications.
Highlights
We show by a combination of computer simulation and experimental characterization guided selfassembly of coherent nano-precipitates into a mesocrystal having a honeycomb structure in bulk materials
Using the highly anisotropic β 1 precipitates in Mg-Nd and Mg-Y-Nd alloys as examples, we show how the hexagonal dislocation network is utilized as a template to guide the formation of a honeycomb mesocrystal consisting of nano-precipitates of different variants of the β 1 phase
Depending on the final structure required, an appropriate phase transformation should be selected according to crystal symmetry and phase transformation mechanism
Summary
We show by a combination of computer simulation and experimental characterization guided selfassembly of coherent nano-precipitates into a mesocrystal having a honeycomb structure in bulk materials. We utilize a highly regular hexagonal dislocation network formed at a twisted grain boundary as a template to guide the self-assembly of multiple deformation (or correspondence) variants of a precipitate phase into a mesocrystal having a honeycomb structure. Using the highly anisotropic β 1 precipitates in Mg-Nd and Mg-Y-Nd alloys as examples, we show how the hexagonal dislocation network is utilized as a template to guide the formation of a honeycomb mesocrystal consisting of nano-precipitates of different variants of the β 1 phase. Such mesocrystals may have exceptional properties for advanced functional and structural applications. The design method, phase transformation pathway and defect structure engineering, creates a new opportunity for the development of highly tuneable 3D mesocrystals of nano-precipitates in bulk materials
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