Interatomic Bonds and Defects in Solids

Defects in solidsDefects in solids are imperfections in the regular geometrical arrangements of the atoms. They are irregularities in the arrangement of the constituent particles in the form of point (impurity atoms and vacancies), line (dislocations) and planar defects (interfaces and grain boundaries). Defects play a major role in dictating the properties of crystalline solids not only by themselves, but also through interaction with other defect types. In fact, at times, imperfections are deliberately introduced into a solid to enhance its mechanical, thermal or electrical properties. In this chapter, we address the varied interatomic bondsInteratomic bonds and the role played by defects in determining the mechanical properties of solids.