Multicomponent diffusion induces zero-flux planes that were locations in a diffusion couple where the fluxes of individual components vanished. The kinetics of multi-component diffusion near to zero-flux planes were analyzed. In contrast to the usual mixing that occurred between alloys in a diffusion couple, where the average component compositions were approached through `global' exchange of atoms, the presence of a ZFP requires that mixing of the blocked component occurred through the release of coupled diffusion waves consisting of a `depletion' wave that reduces the blocked component concentration in the component-rich alloy, and a `repletion' wave that increased the concentration in the component-poor alloy. Each wave establishes the average (equilibrium) concentration unilaterally on either side of the Matano plane. Multicomponent diffusion behaviors, such as slowed diffusive spreading and reduced atomic transport, were associated with the near collocation of multiple zero-flux planes, and the proximity of a zero flux plane for the major component.

Dynamics of Multicomponent Diffusion with Zero Flux Planes. M.E.Glicksman, A.O.Lupulescu: Acta Materialia, 2003, 51[4], 1181-93