Tailoring of misfit along interfaces between ZnxMn3−xO4 and Ag

This work is aimed at examining how the tetragonality of Zn_xMn_3−xO₄ spinel structures depends on the chemical composition when Zn_xMn_3−xO₄ is embedded in a metal matrix. The paper focuses on a wide range of Zn_xMn_3−xO₄ precipitates in a Ag matrix with x varying between 0 and 1.5. This variation of x has been obtained by internal oxidation of Ag–2at.%Mn–4at.%Zn in air followed by annealing in vacuo at different temperatures. It will be demonstrated that the Zn concentration x in Zn_xMn_3−xO₄ has a major influence on the interfacial misfit and orientation relation between Ag/Zn_xMn_3−xO₄. The degree of mismatch of 10.4% of 1 1 1 Ag–Mn₃O₄ and 2.4% of Ag–Zn_1.5Mn_1.5O₄ was visualized using the Bragg filtering technique on HRTEM micrographs of those interfaces. It was possible to identify misfit dislocations qualitatively with this technique at 1 1 1 Ag–Zn_xMn_3−xO₄ interfaces with different degree of mismatch.