However, certain grain boundaries, such as coherent boundaries or where structural features inhibit grain boundary movement, can slow down the rate of grain boundary sliding to the point where it needs to be taken into consideration. The processes underlying grain boundary sliding are the same as those causing diffusional creep
Nevertheless, some grain boundaries, such as coherent ones or areas with structural constraints on movement, can reduce the speed at which grain boundaries slide, an effect comparable to diffusional creep.