Slip transfer across grain boundaries in Fe-Si bicrystals

In situ X-ray diffraction topography using synchrotron radiation (SRXRT) observation of deformation of Fe-4 at.% Si bicrystals Sigma3, Sigma9 and Sigma15 was completed by TEM observation of deformed samples. The results were discussed from the viewpoint of the criteria allowing prediction of slip accommodation at the grain boundary. The common slip system in a Sigma3 bicrystal is impeded by dissociation of slip dislocations into grain boundary dislocations. In Sigma9 bicrystals, the transfer with highest probability appears simultaneously with independent deformation in both grains. In Sigma15 bicrystals, no residual dislocations were observed in the boundary. The slip dislocations contribute to creation of dislocation sources in the boundary. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.