Delaying premature local necking of high-strength Cu: A potential way to enhance plasticity

A cold-rolled metal sheet is usually of high strength but low plasticity due to the onset of premature local necking. Here, we reveal that the tensile plasticity of cold-rolled Cu can be effectively enhanced by a layered structure stacked alternately by thicker Cu and thinner Al layers. The layer interface in the composite strongly constrains and delays the development of premature local necking of the cold-rolled Cu layer. A potential way to improve plasticity without losing strength is suggested.