Unraveling the fundamental principles of eutectic solidification with real-time, nanoscale imaging
During eutectic solidification, a mixture of two or more solids self-assemble, forming composite microstructures ranging from ordered layers to intricate maze-like patterns that underlie properties like tensile strength or ductility. Up to this point, researchers have not understood what conditions drive eutectics to form certain patterns, which is critical for designing reproducible next-generation eutectic composites. Capturing real-time solidification of an aluminum-nickel eutectic alloy (Al-Al3Ni) in nanometer resolution revealed that increasing the solidification velocity shifts microstructure from irregular and faceted to regular and rounded, according to a study led by University of Michigan researchers recently published in Acta Materialia.
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