Intergrowth of a carbon layer and fractal-like trees on 3Y-TZP in TEM observations

In this paper we present one phenomenon about the deposition of hydrocarbon molecules on surfaces of ceramic specimens in transmission electron microscopes. It is an intergrowth of a carbon layer and fractal-like carbon trees resulted from irradiation of an electron beam. Based on experimental results and microscopic deposition mechanism, it is suggested that the morphologies of carbon aggregates be mainly decided by the topographical microstructures on an irradiated area of a specimen. Considering the irradiation effect to this specific substrate, if the phase transformation from tetragonal to monoclinic has been induced, which should facilitate an intergrowth on surfaces of the tetragonal zirconia polycrystals doped with yttria. Due to the instability of amorphous carbon and the effect of surface tension, the fractal-like tree may be changed into thickened branches with rounded tips.