Anomalous viscoplasticity during nanoindentation of Al/SiC nanolaminated composites

► Viscoplastic behavior of metal-ceramic Al/SiC nanolaminates was compared to that of Al. ► Hold time during indentation had a pronounced effect of “creep” on unloading in pure Al. ► This effect was minimal in the multilayered material because of the constraint from SiC. ► The material experienced “negative creep” due to push-back upon unloading.