Structural characterization of {101̅2} twin tip in deformed magnesium alloy

Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), we characterized 101̅2 twin tip morphology in Mg alloy and found twin tip can be sharp and blunt. The sharp twin tip ends up with Basal–prismatic (BP/PB) interfaces, while the blunt twin tip ends up with 1̅012 interface (K2 plane) and BP/PB interfaces. According to these structural features, the migration of 101̅2 twin tip boundary associated with the successive glide of twinning dislocations on the 101̅2 interfaces (K1 plane), K2 interfaces and BP/PB interfaces was described. •101̅2 twin tip morphology can be sharp and blunt.•The sharp twin tip ends up with Basal–prismatic (BP/PB) interfaces.•The blunt twin tip ends up with 101̅2 interface (K2 plane) and BP/PB interfaces.