Deformation behaviour at macro- and nano-length scales: The development of orientation gradients

► Higher intragranular misorientation in oligocrystalline and nanocrystalline nickel on deformation. ► Higher Bs{110}〈112〉 component for oligo- and nanocrystalline sample while dominant Cu{112}〈111〉 component for microcrystalline sample deformed to high strain by rolling. ► This is due to free surfaces in the oligocrystal and grain boundaries in nanocrystalline sample. ► Experimental evidence of 'Grain Boundary Affected Zone' can explain the similarity in deformation behaviour at the extreme length scales.