Stress‐Driven Surface Topography Evolution in Nanocrystalline Al Thin Films

Stress-assisted grain growth at room temperature is identified as a plastic deformation mechanism in nanocrystalline thin films. Unique surface relief is attributed to the direct application of stress-coupled grain boundary migration theory. The figure shows a false-color SEM image of surface topography and an AFM height profile as a result of stress-assisted grain growth. A strategy for tailoring the mechanical properties of nanostructured metals is shown.

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