Impact of Secondary-Phase Particle Morphology on Grain Growth in Pure Copper Using a Phase Field Simulation Approach

Microstructural stability of polycrystalline alloys depends on the motion of grain boundaries during heat treatment. The presence of second-phase particles (SPP) is one of the most effective mechanisms to stabilize the polycrystalline structure by pinning grain boundaries. The current study utilizes phase field modeling to determine the impact of particle size, morphology, and number distribution on grain growth in a face centered cubic copper system. The simulation results indicate that a distinct relationship exists between grain boundary motion and particles of different shapes. Above a minimum area fraction threshold for SPP, the number of particles per unit area emerges as the primary factor controlling the rate of grain growth. Particle shape aspect ratio shows influence on pinning grain boundaries as well with elongated particle shapes demonstrating improved grain boundary pinning, especially when oriented with the long axis parallel to the migrating grain boundary. The results presented here are in good agreement with experimentally observed trends, and the validation of a simplified phase field model allows for added complexity in future simulations.