Effects of Al2O3 on the surface of AlN particles by in situ high temperature and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy

Abstract

The role of Al2O3 formed on the surface of AlN particles were investigated at around 1800K by in situ high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HREM) to understand the effects of Al2O3 contaminated layer on the sintering process of AlN. Formation of nano-size particles of Al2O3 was found on the surface of AlN particles, and these nano-particles may have the possibilities of enhancing the sintering of AlN particles and also the formation of defects during sintering.