title: Real-time atomic scale imaging of nanostructural evolution in aluminum alloys.
abstract: We present a new approach to study the three-dimensional compositional and structural evolution of metal alloys during heat treatments such as commonly used for improving overall material properties. It relies on in situ heating in a high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). The approach is demonstrated using a commercial Al alloy AA2024 at 100-240 °C, showing in unparalleled detail where and how precipitates nucleate, grow, or dissolve. The observed size evolution of individual precipitates enables a separation between nucleation and growth phenomena, necessary for the development of refined growth models. We conclude that the in situ heating STEM approach opens a route to a much faster determination of the interplay between local compositions, heat treatments, microstructure, and mechanical properties of new alloys.
authors: Materials Innovation Institute , Mekelweg 2, 2628CD, Delft, The Netherlands.
authors: Sairam K
authors: SK
authors: Malladi
authors: Qiang
authors: Q
authors: Xu
authors: Marijn A
authors: MA
authors: van Huis
authors: Frans D
authors: FD
authors: Tichelaar
authors: K Joost
authors: KJ
authors: Batenburg
authors: Emrah
authors: E
authors: Yücelen
authors: Beata
authors: B
authors: Dubiel
authors: Aleksandra
authors: A
authors: Czyrska-Filemonowicz
authors: Henny W
authors: HW
authors: Zandbergen