Imperfections in Solids

1. Crystals are not perfect in most cases, if not in all the cases.
2. Defect exists in crystals, which is lattice irregularity having
one or more dimensions on the order of an atomic size.
e.g. vacancy; impurity elements; dislocations.

impurities

Imperfections in Solids
3. Defects are not always harmful
e.g. metallic alloy a solid solution consisting of a solute
element dissolved in a solvent element, which has unique
property combinations that is not obtainable from any of
the parent element.
Solid solution: substitutional solution and interstitial solution.
Factors in favor of the substitutional solution formation :
Small difference in atomic size (<15%)
Same crystal structure
Small difference in electronegativity
Solvent element having lower valency.
e.g. Cu-Ni alloy

Point Defects
The equilibrium number of vacancies, Nv :
Nv = N exp(- Qv/kT)
where:
N:
Q v:
T:
k:

Total number of atomic sites

the energy of activation
the absolute temperature (oK)
the Boltzmans Constant (= 1.38 x 10-23 J/atom-K)

Point Defects
Sample Problem:

Point Defects
Sample Problem:

Dislocations Linear defects

Concept:
! Dislocations are line imperfections in an otherwise perfect lattice.
There are two types of dislocations:
Edge Dislocation and Screw Dislocation
! The magnitude and direction of the lattice distortion associated
with a dislocation is expressed in terms of a Burgers vector,
denoted by a b.

Dislocations Linear defects

Edge Dislocation

Dislocations Linear defects

! Definition of the Burgers vector, b, relative to an edge dislocation.

Starting point of the loop

* Burgers vector is perpendicular to the dislocation line in an edge dislocation

Dislocations Linear defects

Screw Dislocation:
- formed by a shear stress applied.

(c)

* Burgers vector is parallel to the dislocation line in a screw dislocation

Dislocations Linear defects

Mixed Dislocations

Interfacial Defects
External surface

Free surface with

Surface energy

Unsaturated
atoms

Crystalline
material

Interfacial Defects
Grain Boundaries

Interfacial Defects
Angle of misalignment associated with grain boundaries

Higher angle lead to higher

grain boundary energy, thus
higher chemical reactivity and
higher concentration of impurity
atoms.

Interfacial Defects
Tilt Boundary a low angle boundary
(a few degrees and can be described in terms of dislocation arrays)

Interfacial Defects
Twin boundary
(mechanical and annealing twins)

(a)

A photomicrograph of twins within a grain of brass

(b)