On the Fit between Precipitates and Matrix in Al–Zn Alloys

The quality of the fit between the precipitates occurring in Al–Zn alloys and the matrix of the Al host is considered taking into account the positions of the atoms in the lattice planes forming the possible faces of the precipitates and the neighboured lattice planes of the matrix. The quality of the fit depends on the number of (pseudo-)coincidence sites of both planes, the density of Al atoms in the matrix plane and the misfit in the spacings of the atoms in the adjoining planes in consideration. The effect of the misfit is taken into account by means of two different models. Based upon the obtained results many of the experimentally observed features about the preferred shapes and orientations of the faces of the growing precipitates can be explained. It turned out that in both of the applied models most probably the effect of the density of the coincidence sites on the interfacial energy is underestimated.