Abstract
Strengthening of aluminum (Al) alloys is commonly achieved through precipitation by ageing. However, achieving well dispersed fine precipitates requires a meticulous heat treatment schedule. Here we report sputter-deposited nanocrystalline Al-Pd alloy with nanolaminates, mimicking the structure of vertically aligned nanocomposite (VAN). The nanolaminate consists of alternating Al-Pd solid solution and Al4Pd intermetallic phase. The periodic composition fluctuation suggests the occurrence of spinodal decomposition. The Al-12.4Pd alloy exhibits a high flow stress of 2.2 GPa with significant work hardening ability, as evidenced by in situ micropillar compression tests performed in a scanning electron microscope. The unique VAN structure induced strengthening and deformation mechanisms are discussed. This study offers a fresh perspective for the design of high-strength deformable Al alloys.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 104330 |
| Journal | International Journal of Plasticity |
| Volume | 189 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jun 2025 |
Funding
This project is primarily funded by DoE-BES (Basic Energy Sciences) under grant no DE-SC0016337. X.Y. Sheng also gratefully acknowledges the support from Bilsland Fellowship awarded by Purdue University. K. Xu acknowledges financial supports from National Science Foundation NSF-DMR- 2210152. H. Wang acknowledges financial supports from Office of Naval Research N 00014-22-1-2160. Access to the Microscopy Facilities and Birck Nanotechnology Center at Purdue University is also acknowledged.
Keywords
- Aluminum
- In situ
- Nanomechanics
- Phase separation
- Spinodal decomposition