SEM-CL STUDIES OF PLASTIC-DEFORMATION PROCESSES IN CRYSTALS

Cathode luminescence investigation in the scanning electron microscope showed that, under a concentrated load, enormous stresses (near G) under the indenter relaxed due to the creation and movement of interstitials giving rise to structure reconstruction and the formation of an ultradispersed state. Such reconstruction is accompanied by significant changes in material stoichiomentry. The formation of a volume with nanocrystal structure affects microindentation activation energy. The formation and displacement of dislocations around the impression should be considered as a process secondary to stress relaxation, that is, as a result of the reorganization of material structure under the indenter tip described.