Friction stir engineering for fabrication of ultra-refined CuNiMgZn alloys

The extrapolation of grain size to nanoscale and simultaneous alloying of Cu with Mg, Ni and Zn was reached via friction stir engineering (FSE). Plastic shear strain during deformation-induced bimodality in the FCC structure and promoted degree of alloying. Average grain size reduced from similar to 76 mu m to less than 2 mu m, accompanying microhardness enhancement without formation of brittle intermetallics. Elemental and morphological heterogeneity was attained throughout the stirred region. Gradients of composition and grain structure in the stirred region are reported which can further the design of metamaterials. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Friction stir engineering was used to extrapolate grain size to the nanoscale and simultaneously alloy Cu with Mg, Ni, and Zn, resulting in enhanced alloying. Plastic shear strain during deformation-induced bimodality promoted significant reduction in average grain size and microhardness enhancement without the formation of brittle intermetallics. Elemental and morphological heterogeneity was achieved in the stirred region, which can advance the design of metamaterials.