Nanostructure and properties of a Cu–Cr composite processed by severe plastic deformation

A Cu–Cr composite was processed by severe plastic deformation to investigate the role of interphase boundaries on the grain size reduction mechanisms. The as-deformed material exhibits a grain size of only 20 nm. This gives rise to a dramatic increase in the hardness. Some deformation-induced Cu supersaturated solid solutions were clearly exhibited and it is shown that they decrease the hardness. The formation of such supersaturated solid solutions and their influence on the mechanical properties are discussed.