Strength–ductility combination of nanostructured Cu–Zn alloy with nanotwin bundles

The tensile properties of mixed structures with microsized recrystallized grains and nanotwin bundles in a Cu–Zn alloy prepared using dynamic plastic deformation (DPD) and subsequent thermal annealing were investigated. A better strength–ductility combination was found in the partially recrystallized samples of the mixed structures with finer recrystallized grains and thinner nanotwins.

► A mixed structure of micro-sized recrystallized grains and nanotwins was obtained.
► A better strength–ductility combination was found in recrystallized samples.
► Finer recrystallized grains and thinner nanotwins play a key role in strengthening.