Simultaneously Increasing the Ductility and Strength of Nanostructured Alloys

Abstract

Simultaneous increase of the ductility and strength of a bulk nanostructured Al alloy with an average grain size of ∼ 100 nm (curve NS) has been achieved by precipitating Guinier–Preston (G–P) zones, η′, and η particles (curve NS+P). Bulk nanostructured materials usually have high strength, but disappointingly low ductility. All previous attempts to enhance the ductility of nanostructured materials have sacrificed their yield strengths. This strategy is applicable to many nanostructured alloys and composites.