Structure, Thermodynamics and Diffusion Properties of Grain Boundaries and Interfaces

The majority of materials, especially metals, are used in the form of polycrystals. It is well recognized that many properties of polycrystalline materials are determined by grain boundaries (GBs). Grain boundaries appreciably affect many practically important mechanical and physical properties of construction materials. Grain-boundary diffusion plays a key role in such practically important processes as Coble creep, sintering, diffusion induced grain boundary migration (DIGM), various discontinuous reactions, recrystallization and grain growth. The purpose of this Volume is to provide a collection of recent contributions in the field of structure, thermodynamics and diffusion properties of grain boundaries and interfaces. The Volume includes reviews of both experimental and theoretical studies carried out by well-recognized scientists whose publications are well-known and widely cited.