Investigation of {10(1)over-bar2} twins in Zn using high-resolution electron microscopy: Interfacial defects and interactions

Dislocations in {10 (1) over bar 2} twin boundaries in Zn were investigated using high-resolution electron microscopy. The topological parameters (Burgers vectors and step heights) of several defects have been identified and found to be in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions. The core structures of all defects studied were observed to be relatively compact, and step risers tended to form parallel to low-index planes of the adjacent crystals. The stability and origin of the observed defects are discussed. Various mechanisms are thought to generate the defects, including the primary deformation twinning process, decomposition of crystal dislocations which impinge on the twins, and interaction of interfacial defects. The diffusive fluxes associated with dislocation interactions are considered, especially situations where these processes are conservative overall.