Processing by severe plastic deformation (SPD) typically increases the strength of metals and alloys drastically by decreasing their grain size into the submicrometer or nanometer range but the ductility of such materials remains typically low. This report describes the first demonstration that it is possible to increase the room temperature ductility of aluminum-based alloys processed by SPD and to attain elongations to failure of >150% while retaining the enhanced strength. This unique combination of properties is due to the occurrence of grain boundary sliding at room temperature. The sliding was obviously achieved by introducing a grain boundary wetting of the aluminum/aluminum grain boundaries.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)4718-4724
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Materials Science
Volume45
Issue number17
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Sep 2010

    Scopus subject areas

  • Materials Science(all)
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

ID: 42939244