Formation of a W-25%Cu nanocomposite during high pressure torsion

A coarse-grained W-25%Cu composite is subjected to high pressure torsion (HPT) at room temperature, 200 °C, and 400 °C, to different very large strains. The evolution of microstructure with increasing strain is investigated. It is shown that the HPT causes a strong refinement of W particles. No significant influence of the deformation temperature on the microstructure is revealed at small strains (⩽64). A strong effect of the HPT temperature on the microstructure is found at larger strains (>64). It is demonstrated that the HPT can be successfully used to fabricate a W-25%Cu nanocomposite.