(120) and (122-bar) monazite deformation twins

Unusual features of (120) and (122-bar) deformation twins in monazite (monoclinic LaPO4) are described and analyzed. These features are kinks and other irregularities in (120) twins, and V-shaped indentations on (120) and (122-bar) twin planes. Twinning shear analysis suggests that the kinks are a type II deformation twin mode with shear direction (η1) of [21-bar0]. This complements previous analysis based on atom shuffling considerations. Shear strain compatibility requires extensive plastic deformation in the kink. The V-shaped indentations may be analogous to similar structures in b.c.c metal deformation twins. Deformation mechanisms that may be associated with these structures are discussed