What are crystal imperfection?

Crystal imperfections refer to deviations from the perfect periodic arrangement of atoms in a crystal lattice. These imperfections can manifest as point defects (such as vacancies or interstitial atoms), line defects (like dislocations), or planar defects (such as grain boundaries). They play a crucial role in determining the physical properties of materials, influencing their strength, electrical conductivity, and thermal properties. Understanding these imperfections is essential in materials science and engineering for optimizing material performance.