Watching grain nucleation

Understanding the crystallisation process during solidification is an essential
step for tailoring the mechanical properties of solidified materials. In the
industrial production process of aluminium alloys, the addition of TiB₂ particles
along with titanium atoms is widely used to enhance the nucleation rate and
control the grain growth during solidification. Using X-ray diffraction it is
possible to observe in situ the formation of TiAl₃ grains before solidification.

Diffraction diagram of the different stages of the solidification process: liquid, liquid + solid, solid (Image credit: N. Iqbal, copyright 2005 N. Iqbal.).

Further information:

• ESRF Highlight: View on Grain Nucleation and Growth Kinetics during Solidification
• Ref.: N. Iqbal et al., Acta Mater. 53, 2875-2880 (2005).