The evolution of orientation relationships during the transformation of a twin-free T-particle to tenfold T-twins in an Al alloy during homogenisation

Abstract

The crystallographic and morphological analysis of T-phase formation in Al alloys was investigated using high-resolution electron microscopy (HRTEM) and selected-area electron diffraction pattern (SAEDP). The results show that the orientation relationships (ORs) of the T-phase change continuously from its original ORs during the transformation of a twin-free T-particle to the tenfold T-twins. These OR changes were achieved by lattice rotations of T-twin domains (T-TDs) about the [010]T//[010]Al axis by an angle ranging from 0° to 9°, and this exhibits a relationship with the shape of the cross-sections of the T-phase (T-CSs). The changes in ORs of the T-phase can reduce the increase in interface misfit between the newly-formed T-TDs and the Al matrix. The matrix could only accommodate the rotation of a T-particle at the near-interface region at relatively high temperatures.