Nanostructure and properties of a Cu-Cr composite processed by severe plastic deformation

TL;DR

This study explores how severe plastic deformation affects the nanostructure and mechanical properties of a Cu-Cr composite, revealing ultra-fine grains, deformation-induced solid solutions, and their impact on hardness.

Contribution

It demonstrates the formation of ultra-fine grains and supersaturated solid solutions in Cu-Cr composites processed by severe plastic deformation, highlighting their effects on hardness.

Findings

Grain size reduced to 20nm after deformation

Deformation-induced Cu supersaturated solid solutions decrease hardness

Interphase boundaries influence grain size reduction mechanisms

Abstract

A Cu-Cr composite was processed by severe plastic deformation to investigate the role of interphase boundaries on the grain size reduction mechanisms. The as-deformed material exhibits a grain size of only 20nm. This gives rise to a dramatic increase of the hardness. Some deformation induced Cu super saturated solid solutions were clearly exhibited and it is shown that they decrease the hardness. The formation of such supersaturated solid solution and their influence on the mechanical properties are discussed.