MODELING THE BONDING AT METAL-CERAMIC INTERFACES USING PEELS IN THE STEM

A strategy for the elucidation of bonding at metal-ceramic interfaces is presented. Specific reference is drawn to (scanning) transmission e lectron microscopic (STEM) studies on metal-alumina interfaces. The us e of spatially resolved electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) in th e determination of local coordinations and valence states at interface s is discussed. When such results are combined with EELS or energy dis persive X-ray (EDX) compositional linescans, high-resolution imaging a nd surface analytical techniques, important information may be derived about chemical bonding mechanisms which may ultimately determine prop erty-processing relationships.