Published online by Cambridge University Press: 03 March 2011
The instability of interfaces in an ultrafine TiAl-(γ)/Ti3Al-(α2) lamellar structure by straining at room temperature has been investigated using in situ straining techniques performed in a transmission electron microscope. The purpose of this study was to obtain experimental evidence to support the creep mechanisms based upon the interface sliding in association with a cooperative movement of interfacial dislocations, which was proposed previously to rationalize a nearly linear creep behavior of ultrafine lamellar TiAl alloys. The results reveal that the sliding and migration of lamellar interfaces can take place simultaneously as a result of the cooperative movement of interfacial dislocations, which can lead to an adverse effect in the performance of ultrafine lamellar TiAl alloy.