Grain Boundary Complexion Transitions

Abstract

Grain boundaries can undergo phase-like transitions, called complexion transitions, in which their structure, composition, and properties change discontinuously as temperature, bulk composition, and other parameters are varied. Grain boundary complexion transitions can lead to rapid changes in the macroscopic properties of polycrystalline metals and ceramics and are responsible for a variety of materials phenomena as diverse as activated sintering and liquid-metal embrittlement. The property changes caused by grain boundary complexion transitions can be beneficial or detrimental. Grain boundary complexion engineering exploits beneficial complexion transitions to improve the processing, properties, and performance of materials. Here, we review the thermodynamic fundamentals of grain boundary complexion transitions, highlight the strongest experimental and computationalevidence for these transitions, clarify a number of important misconceptions, discuss the advantages of grain boundary complexion engineering, and summarize existing research challenges.