Stress effects on diffusional interface sharpening in ideal binary alloys

Abstract

As an extension of our previous paper [Phys. Rev. Lett. 89, 168901 (2002)], we demonstrate, using computer simulations based on a general continuum model, that the diffusional interface sharpening in ideal binary alloys (found recently from deterministic kinetic equations in discrete atomic approach) is still present even if the stress development and relaxations during interdiffusion or if the ``built-in'' stresses (caused by lattice mismatch or thermal expansion) are also taken into account. Thus we conclude that this diffusional sharpening, in systems with large diffusion asymmetry, is really a quite general phenomenon.