Phase field simulations of microstructure morphology evolution in co-deposited Cu/Mo thin films demonstrate transitions from layered to columnar morphologies. These transitions depend on deposition rates and temperatures as well as the average composition of the deposited films.
Annular Dark Field (ADF) micrograph of a Cu/Mo thin film synthesized by physical vapor deposition at elevated temperature. The material spontaneously forms a microstructure with a tortuous bicontinuous morphology. The Cu appears dark in this image while the Mo appears bright phase.
Bicontinuous microstructure morphology in nano-metallic composite formed via self-organization during solid-phase dealloying.
Fracture surface of a nanoporous gold film tested to failure in tension. Some ligaments appear to be elongated, indicating localized ductile deformation behavior.
Molecular dynamics simulation of bicontinuous Cu/Mo composite generated using a Cahn-Hilliard phase field simulation as a template. Atoms are colored by the normal stress in the horizontal direction.