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Molecular Dynamics Computer Simulations of Calcium-Alumino-Silicate Intergranular Films between the basal and prism planes of α-Al2O3

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 February 2011

Stephen H. Garofalini  and
Shenghong Zhang
Stephen H. Garofalini
Affiliation:
Interfacial Molecular Science Laboratory, Department of Ceramic and Materials Engineering, Rutgers University
Shenghong Zhang
Affiliation:
Interfacial Molecular Science Laboratory, Department of Ceramic and Materials Engineering, Rutgers University
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Abstract

Molecular dynamics computer simulations using a robust multibody potential were used to study the structure of the intergranular films (IGFs) formed between two different crystallographic orientations of α-Al2O3 crystals. The simulations show a localized ordering of the IGF at the interface of both the basal and prism planes caused by preferential adsorption of specific ions from the IGF onto the crystal planes. However, the results of the adsorption have significantly different effects on crystal growth of the specific orientations. The preferential adsorption of Ca ions from the IGF onto the (0001) surface inhibit growth in the <0001> direction. However, Ca does not affect adsorption of O and Al from the IGF onto the (1120) surface and potential growth of this orientation in the <1120> direction. The results are consistent with experimental data regarding anisotropic grain growth in this system and provide an atomistic view of this behavior.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 751: Symposium Z – Structure-Property Relationships of Oxide Surfaces and Interfaces II , 2002 , Z4.8
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2003

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