Observation of (sub)grain clusters in the as-deposited and in situ annealed nanocrystalline nickel using automated crystal orientation mapping

The (sub)grain cluster characteristics of as-received and both in situ and ex situ annealed electrodeposited nanocrystalline nickel were investigated using automated crystal orientation mapping in a transmission electron microscope. The clusters displayed large misorientation gradients and their orientations did not statistically differ from the surrounding nanograins. They did not serve as nuclei for abnormal grain growth during annealing. The previously suggested presence of a cobblestone type mesotexture in the material was also confirmed using electron backscattered diffraction.