Strain rate sensitivity studies in an ultrafine-grained Al–30 wt.% Zn alloy using micro- and nanoindentation

The characteristics of plastic deformation of an ultrafine-grained (UFG) Al–30 wt.% Zn alloy were investigated using depth-sensing micro- and nanoindentation. Emphasis was placed on the effects of grain boundaries and the unusually high strain rate sensitivity. It is shown that there is a close relationship between enhanced strain rate sensitivity and ductility in this UFG material and this is associated with grain boundary sliding and enhanced diffusion along the Al/Al grain boundaries which appear to be wetted by Zn-rich layers.

► The characteristics of plastic deformation of an ultrafine-grained (UFG) Al–30 wt.% Zn alloy investigated by depth-sensing micro- and nanoindentation. ► The effects of grain boundaries and the strain rate sensitivity. ► Close relationship between enhanced strain rate sensitivity and ductility. ► Enhanced diffusion along the Al/Al grain boundaries wetted by Zn-rich layers.