Near-theoretical strength and deformation stabilization achieved via grain boundary segregation and nano-clustering of solutes

Chang Liu (), Jing Rao, Zhongji Sun, Wenjun Lu, James P. Best, Xuehan Li, Wenzhen Xia, Yilun Gong, Ye Wei, Bozhao Zhang, Jun Ding (), Ge Wu () and En Ma
Additional contact information
Chang Liu: Xi’an Jiaotong University
Jing Rao: Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung
Zhongji Sun: Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
Wenjun Lu: Southern University of Science and Technology
James P. Best: Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung
Xuehan Li: Xi’an Jiaotong University
Wenzhen Xia: Anhui University of Technology
Yilun Gong: Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung
Ye Wei: Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung
Bozhao Zhang: Xi’an Jiaotong University
Jun Ding: Xi’an Jiaotong University
Ge Wu: Xi’an Jiaotong University
En Ma: Xi’an Jiaotong University

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Grain boundary hardening and precipitation hardening are important mechanisms for enhancing the strength of metals. Here, we show that these two effects can be amplified simultaneously in nanocrystalline compositionally complex alloys (CCAs), leading to near-theoretical strength and large deformability. We develop a model nanograined (TiZrNbHf)98Ni2 alloy via thermodynamic design. The Ni solutes, which has a large negative mixing enthalpy and different electronegativity to Ti, Zr, Nb and Hf, not only produce Ni-enriched local chemical inhomogeneities in the nanograins, but also segregate to grain boundaries. The resultant alloy achieves a 2.5 GPa yield strength, together with work hardening capability and large homogeneous deformability to 65% compressive strain. The local chemical inhomogeneities impede dislocation propagation and encourage dislocation multiplication to promote strain hardening. Meanwhile, Ni segregates to grain boundaries and enhances cohesion, suppressing the grain growth and grain boundary cracking found while deforming the reference TiZrNbHf alloy. Our alloy design strategy thus opens an avenue, via solute decoration at grain boundaries combined with local chemical inhomogeneities inside the grains, towards ultrahigh strength and large plasticity in nanostructured alloys.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-53349-4

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