Chemically induced grain boundary migration (CIGM) and chemically induced recrystallization (CIR) in nickel have been investigated. When nickel specimens annealed at 1200℃ in vacuum are carburized at 1000℃, carbon atoms diffuse in nickel interstitially and induce grain boundary migration, leaving behind new solid solutions of Ni-C. From Auger analysis carbon has been detected in the region swept by grain boundaries. This is a clear observation of chemically induced grain boundary migration when the solute is an interstitial. The reversal of grain boundary migration occurs with increasing time. CIR also occurs at corners and edges of the specimen.
