Microstructure and Failure Characteristics of Nanostructured Molybdenum-Copper Composites

Liquid-metal infiltrated Cu30Mo70 (wt%) is subjected to severe plastic deformation using high-pressure torsion. The initially equiaxed dual-phase structure is gradually transformed into a lamellar structure composed of individual Cu and Mo layers. The thickness of the lamellae varies between the micro- and nanometer ranges depending on the amount of applied strain. Consistent with the refinement of the microstructural features, strength and hardness substantially increase. In addition, an acceptable ductility is found in the intermediate deformation range. An assessment of the damage tolerance of the produced composites is performed by measuring the fracture toughness in different crack propagation directions. The results indicate the development of a pronounced anisotropy with increasing degree of deformation which is an effect of the concurrent alignment of the nanostructured lamellar composite into the shear plane.