Non-equilibrium intermixing and phase transformation in severely deformed Al/Ni multilayers

TL;DR

This study investigates how severe cold deformation induces intermixing and phase transformations in Al/Ni multilayers, revealing supersaturated solutions and phase changes upon annealing through atom probe analysis.

Contribution

It demonstrates deformation-induced intermixing and phase transformation in Al/Ni multilayers prepared by folding and cold rolling, with atom probe evidence of supersaturation.

Findings

Presence of supersaturated solid solutions

Deformation-induced intermixing confirmed by atom probe

Transformation into Al3Ni phase upon annealing

Abstract

Al/Ni multilayers have been prepared by repeated folding and cold rolling (F&R) of elemental foils. The thickness of Al and Ni foils is reduced down to less than 50 nm after fifty F&R cycles. Three-dimensional atom probe analyses clearly reveal the presence of supersaturated solid solutions and give the evidence of deformation-induced intermixing. The formation of the solid solutions and their transformation into the Al3Ni phase upon annealing is discussed.