Microstructures and interfaces in directionally solidified oxide–oxide eutectics

This article reviews different studies carried out on the microstructures and oxide–oxide interfaces encountered in directionally solidified eutectics. Depending on the phase diagram and preparation conditions, lamellar, fibrous or three-dimensional network microstructures can be obtained. Interfaces between refractory oxides with various structural types (corundum, fluorite, rocksalt, perovskite and garnet) are investigated. Orientation relations and interface planes are reported and general features of the structure of interfaces are discussed from high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM) studies. The accommodation of lattice mismatch at the interface is investigated by geometric phase analysis of HREM images.