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Indentation fracture in the In1−x Ga x As y P1−y /InP system and its effect on microhardness anisotropy characteristics

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Abstract

Knoop microhardness anisotropy measurements on the {100}-orientated In1−x Ga x As y P1−y /InP system have disclosed an appreciable variation in hardness behaviour across the composition range of the alloy. This paper relates these variations to changes in the directional fracture characteristics of the system. The qualitative investigation of both Vickers and Knoop indentation fracture has established the emergence of a secondary 〈100〉 cleavage direction at high values of the composition parameter, abovey ≅ 0.6. Furthermore, the number and extent of cracks emanating from indentations were seen to increase appreciably asy increases from 0 to 1. A quantitative analysis of Vickers indentation fracture in the quaternary system has indicated a marked dependence of fracture-related parameters on both the indentor orientation and composition. Fracture toughness values from ∼ 3.105 to ∼ 1.106 N m/12 have been derived using expressions from the literature. The marked change in Knoop microhardness anisotropy characteristics with increasingy in the In1−x Ga x As y P1−y /InP system has been partially correlated to the emergence of 〈100〉 cleavage and the general increase in indentation fracture, highlighted by the quantitative fracture measurements. Thus, it is concluded that even at very low indentation loads, the effect of fracture on the measured hardness of crystalline materials cannot be ignored.

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  1. D. Y. Watts

    Present address: STC Optical Devices Division, Brixham Road, Paigmon, TQ4 7BE, Devon, UK

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  1. Engineering Materials, the University, S09 5NH, Southampton, UK

    D. Y. Watts & A. F. W. Willoughby

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  1. D. Y. Watts
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  2. A. F. W. Willoughby
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Watts, D.Y., Willoughby, A.F.W. Indentation fracture in the In1−x Ga x As y P1−y /InP system and its effect on microhardness anisotropy characteristics. J Mater Sci 23, 272–280 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01174065

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01174065

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