Using a special TEM constant deflection device, the change in dislocation configuration ahead of a loaded crack tip before and after adsorbing of Hg atoms and the initiation of liquid metal-induced nanocrack (LMIC) has been observed. The results shown that chemisorption of Hg atoms could
facilitate dislocation emission, multiplication and motion. Nanocracks will initiate in dislocation free zone (DFZ) or at the crack tip when chemisorption-facilitiated dislocation emission, multiplication and
motion reach a critical condition. On the basis of the available experimental evidence concerning liquid metal embrittlement (LME),
a new mechanism for this phenomenon is considered. This involves the decrease in surface energy induced by chemisorption of Hg atoms results in a reduction in the critical stress intensity factors for dislocation emission and the resistance for dislocation motion. On the other hand, the plastic work and the K...
Keywords: liquid metal embrittlement, aluminum, mercury, TEM, dislocation