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Bamboo-like dual-phase nanostructured copper composite strengthened by amorphous boron framework

Author

Listed:
  • Hang Lv

    (MOE, Jilin University)

  • Xinxin Gao

    (MOE, Jilin University)

  • Kan Zhang

    (MOE, Jilin University)

  • Mao Wen

    (MOE, Jilin University)

  • Xingjia He

    (MOE, Jilin University)

  • Zhongzhen Wu

    (Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School)

  • Chang Liu

    (Jilin University)

  • Changfeng Chen

    (University of Nevada)

  • Weitao Zheng

    (MOE, Jilin University)

Abstract

Grain boundary engineering is a versatile tool for strengthening materials by tuning the composition and bonding structure at the interface of neighboring crystallites, and this method holds special significance for materials composed of small nanograins where the ultimate strength is dominated by grain boundary instead of dislocation motion. Here, we report a large strengthening of a nanocolumnar copper film that comprises columnar nanograins embedded in a bamboo-like boron framework synthesized by magnetron sputtering co-deposition, reaching the high nanoindentation hardness of 10.8 GPa among copper alloys. The boron framework surrounding copper nanograins stabilizes and strengthens the nanocolumnar copper film under indentation, benefiting from the high strength of the amorphous boron framework and the constrained deformation of copper nanocolumns confined by the boron grain boundary. These findings open a new avenue for strengthening metals via construction of dual-phase nanocomposites comprising metal nanograins embedded in a strong and confining light-element grain boundary framework.

Suggested Citation

  • Hang Lv & Xinxin Gao & Kan Zhang & Mao Wen & Xingjia He & Zhongzhen Wu & Chang Liu & Changfeng Chen & Weitao Zheng, 2023. "Bamboo-like dual-phase nanostructured copper composite strengthened by amorphous boron framework," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-40580-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40580-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ge Wu & Ka-Cheung Chan & Linli Zhu & Ligang Sun & Jian Lu, 2017. "Dual-phase nanostructuring as a route to high-strength magnesium alloys," Nature, Nature, vol. 545(7652), pages 80-83, May.
    2. Amirhossein Khalajhedayati & Zhiliang Pan & Timothy J. Rupert, 2016. "Manipulating the interfacial structure of nanomaterials to achieve a unique combination of strength and ductility," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-8, April.
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