Nanoparticle interactions with the magnesium alloy matrix during physical deformation: Tougher nanocomposites

► High strain zone (HSZ) formation around nanoparticles leads to increased tensile ductility. ► HSZs emanating from nanoparticle surfaces lead to tensile toughening. ► Dislocation chains linking nanoparticles may be considered as finely localized HSZs. ► Nanoparticle stimulated nucleation (NSN) enables compressive toughening.