Methods of fabricating metals for nano-technology

Abstract. The paper gives an introduction to nanostructuring techniques used for industrial fabrication of bulk nanocrystalline metals – basic materials utilized in shaping nanoscale structures. Nanostructured metals, called nanometals, can be produced by severe plastic deformation (SPD). We give an expert coverage of current achievements in all important SPD methods and present future industry developments and research directions including both batch and continuous processes. In the laboratories of both WUT and UOS we have developed industry standard equipment and machinery for nanometals processing. Utilizing the latest examples from our research, we provide a concise introduction to the field of mass production of nanometals for nanotech-nology. Key words: ultra-fine grain structure, severe plastic deformation, ECAP (equal channel angular pressing), grain refinement, aluminium alloys. 1