Work

Beyond the eutectic paradigm: nanolamellar patterns in a rapidly solidified peritectic alloy

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Peritectic transformations are central to many structural alloys, yet pattern formation remains poorly understood due to complex growth dynamics and limited three-dimensional data. Here, we report an unusual two-phase microstructure in a Zn–Ag peritectic alloy subjected to rapid solidification by laser surface remelting. Synchrotron X-ray nanotomography reveals a lamellar structure of primary ε-AgZn3 and peritectic Zn with ∼700 nm spacing. Although resembling a eutectic morphology, this pattern forms without a eutectic reaction through non-steady coupled growth from the liquid. SEM and TEM-EDS confirm interface shapes and phase compositions. These findings expand the design space of peritectics for refined microstructural control.

Source: Materials Research Letters

DOI: 10.1080/21663831.2026.2647980

Authors: Shanmukha Kiran Aramanda, Metin Kayitmazbatir, Xianghui Xiao, Amit Misra, Ashwin J. Shahani

Institutions: University of Michigan, National Synchrotron Light Source II

Language: English

Topic: Solidification and crystal growth phenomena

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,459

Funders: Basic Energy Sciences, Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Brookhaven National Laboratory