Phase-specific deformation behavior of a relatively tough NiAl–Cr(Mo) lamellar composite

A NiAl–Cr(Mo) nanolayered composite exhibits improved room-temperature toughness in compression compared to its constituent phases, NiAl and Cr solid solution (Crss). Real-time in situ neutron diffraction and post-test microstructural observations show that the Crss layers with thickness of ∼400 nm can bear very high stresses and deform plastically before fracture, unlike in bulk form, where the Cr solid solution fractures in a relatively brittle fashion at significantly lower stresses, which contribute to the much higher toughness of the composite.