Atomic scale characterization of the nucleation and growth of SnO2 particles in oxidized CuSn alloys

TL;DR

This study uses atomic-scale characterization to investigate the nucleation and growth mechanisms of SnO2 particles during the internal oxidation of CuSn alloys, revealing interface structures and growth preferences.

Contribution

It provides detailed atomic-scale insights into SnO2 particle formation and interface structures in oxidized CuSn alloys, which were previously not well understood.

Findings

SnO2 particles favor habit planes with a pure oxygen plane.

Large misfits promote plate-shaped precipitate growth.

Atomic-scale interface structures influence oxidation behavior.

Abstract

The internal oxidation of Sn was investigated to understand the oxidation kinetics of monophase CuSn alloys. SnO2 particles were characterized by analytical transmission electron microscopy. The orientation relationship between SnO2 and Cu was determined with a special emphasis on the atomic scale structure of Cu/SnO2 interfaces (misfit dislocations and chemical structure). Habit planes with a pure oxygen plane terminating the SnO2 phase are greatly favored and large misfits promote the growth of plate shaped precipitates.