Exploring the Relation Between Interface Structure and Mechanical Properties in Multilayer Structures

摘要

The relationship between microstructure and physical behavior is especially pronounced in synthetic multilayer materials. Insight to the mechanisms responsible for changes in the mechanical properties can be investigated through a careful examination of the inherent microstructure. A dominant feature of the multilayer structure is the interface. The population of interlayer boundaries, that is interfaces, is directly controlled by the multilayer period for any given film thickness. In this paper, we will present TEM images of multilayer systems. The interface structure will be viewed in cross-section. A range of layer thicknesses should be considered as variations in the elastic modules, yield stress, and microhardness have been observed for many noble-transition metal systems over a wide range of multilayer periods, from less than 1 nm to greater than 1000 nm. In epitaxial systems, the extent of superlattice perfection (coherency effects) is closely tied with changes in physical behavior. In summation, emphasis will be placed on the structure and strain distribution from the interface, and its role in determining the mechanical properties of multilayers. 23 refs., 2 figs. (ERA citation 13:018607)