Strain mapping along Al–Pb interfaces

Local strains at particle–matrix hetero-interfaces in an Al–Pb composite produced by high-energy ball-milling were measured by means of geometric phase analysis (GPA) on the basis of high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) images. A through-focus series of 10 experimental micrographs was used to retrieve the complex exit-face wave function and subsequently to calculate the components of the strain tensor using Pb as the reference lattice. The strain analysis revealed considerable strain for the interface regions with compressive strain for the Pb side and tensile strain for the Al side. The strained zones extend up to 2–3 lattice spacings on either side of the interface. The interface regions are not sheared or significantly rotated, which shows that the whole state of the interface is elastically strained but not plastically deformed. A new possible interpretation of the melting behaviour of the Pb particles in terms of the strains is discussed.