Role of interfaces in kinetics of internal shape changes

Abstract

The author discusses the role of interfacial properties, notably interfacial energy σ and mobility μ, in a series of solid-state reactions that involve the change of size and shape of second-phase precipitates. The following topics are discussed: (i) precipitate growth from a supersaturated solid solution; (ii) competitive growth of precipitates to reduce their interfacial energy, Ostwald ripening; and (iii) migration of a high-angle matrix grain boundary through a dispersion of coherent precipitates.