Enhanced mechanical properties in Cu-Zn alloys with a gradient structure by surface mechanical attrition treatment at cryogenic temperature

This paper describes the effects of gradient structure on mechanical properties of Cu-Zn alloys processed by surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) at liquid nitrogen temperature (77 K). This method leads to the formation of a gradient structure with surface fine-grained regions and a coarse-grained interior. In this study, a fine-grained surface layer with a thickness of 10 μm is formed on a coarse-grained Cu-Zn alloy sheet after the cryogenic SMAT process. Microstructural observations and microhardness measurements demonstrate that a significant microstructure refinement in grain size and a gradient increase in hardness from the coarse-grained core to the top surface. Tensile tests at room temperature showed superior strength-ductility synergy for the SMAT sample.