Kink formation around indents in laminated Ti3SiC2 thin films studied in the nanoscale

The deformation mechanisms in ductile Ti3SiC2(0001) single-crystal films have been analysed by nanoindentation and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy. Permanent deformation includes formation of kink bands, as the nanolaminated material buckles out at the perimeter of the contact area, and delamination cracks. Evidence is presented for incipient kink-band formation. (C) 2003 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.