Towards strength–ductility synergy through the design of heterogeneous nanostructures in metals

Metals can be processed to reach ultra-high strength, but usually at a drastic loss of ductility. Here, we review recent advances in overcoming this tradeoff, by purposely deploying heterogeneous nanostructures in an otherwise single-phase metal. Several structural designs are being explored, including bimodal, harmonic, lamellar, gradient, domain-dispersed, and hierarchical nanostructures. These seemingly distinct tactics share a unifying design principle in that the intentional structural heterogeneities induce non-homogeneous plastic deformation, and the nanometer-scale features dictate steep strain gradients, thereby enhancing strain hardening and consequently uniform tensile ductility at high flow…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: 1410331, DMR-1410331
• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Award: 51420105001
• DO
  Division of Materials Research

  Award: DMR-1410331
• DO
  Division of Materials Sciences and Engineering