Nano-structures at martensite macrotwin interfaces in Ni65Al35 Original Research Article

The atomic configurations at macrotwin interfaces between microtwinned martensite plates in Ni65Al35 material are investigated using transmission electron microscopy. The observed structures are interpreted in view of possible formation mechanisms for these interfaces. A distinction is made between cases in which the microtwins, originating from mutually perpendicular {110} austenite planes, enclose a final angle larger or smaller than 90°. Two different configurations, a crossing and a step type are described. Depending on the actual case, tapering, bending and tip splitting of the smaller microtwin variants are observed. The most reproducible deformations occur in a region of approximately 5–10 nm width around the interface while a variety of structural defects are observed further away from the interface. These structures and deformations are interpreted in terms of the coalescence of two separately nucleated microtwinned martensite plates and the need to accommodate remaining stresses.