Equilibrium crystal shape of Bi - saturated Cu crystals at 1223 K

The equilibrium crystal shape of Bi-saturated Cu at 1223 K has been studied, after quenching the material to room temperature, by a scanning electron microscopy investigation of the shapes of pores (or negative crystals) that are present on grain boundary fracture surfaces. Bi-saturation of Cu surfaces at 1223 K results in dramatic changes in the ECS compared to pure Cu. Whereas all possible surface orientations are stable in the case of pure Cu, only the {111}, {100}, {110}, and {320} orientations are stable in Bi-saturated Cu crystals. In addition, the weak maximum anisotropy of pure Cu of 2% is increased four-fold by Bi saturation of the surface.