A Monte-Carlo simulation of decomposition kinetics in fine-grained binary alloys

The decomposition kinetics of binary alloys of fine grains is simulated by the Monte-Carlo method. A coupled Ising-Potts model is proposed to approach the spin diffusion in lattice of high degeneracy states. The simulation reveals a series of new phenomena of the decomposition. The grain boundaries as sinks of second phase precipitates and rapid channels of diffusion are characterized by various parameters. Grain boundary precipitation for alloys of different compositions is demonstrated. Finally, the effect of grain boundaries on the kinetics of decomposition is investigated, predicting significant modification of the kinetic law. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.