Fabrication of bulk nanostructured silver material from nanopowders using shockwave consolidation technique

In the present study, it was established that a pressure level of ∼2 GPa applied to nanoparticles can generate metallurgical bonds within an agglomerate. The shockwave consolidation technique was therefore used to produce bulk nanostructured silver samples from nano-sized powders. The grain size evolution was characterized during compaction and the mechanical properties of the bulk components were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and microhardness and compression testing at room temperature. Upon consolidation, an average grain size of 49 ± 22 nm was measured and constant hardness across the diameter with an average of 83 HV was obtained. Compression results showed strength of approximately 390 ± 10 MPa and ductility of 22 ± 2%. This study therefore demonstrates the possibility of fabricating reliable bulk nanostructured materials by imposing high pressure on nano-sized powders.