Simultaneously increasing strength and ductility of nanoparticles reinforced Al composites via accumulative orthogonal extrusion process

<p>Ceramic particles have been introduced into metal matrices to improve the strength and stiffness of metals, albeit at the cost of the ductility unfortunately. Simultaneously increasing the strength and ductility of metal matrix composites (MMCs) is still a challenge. Accumulative orthogonal extrusion process (AOEP), which disperses nanoparticles and refines grain structures of particles reinforced MMCs via severe plastic deformation, is proposed in this paper. The high strength (687 MPa) and superior ductility (14.8%) are simultaneously achieved in the resultant TiB₂ particles reinforced Al–Zn–Mg–Cu matrix composites, and the underlying mechanisms are discussed in terms of particles’ influences.</p> <p>An easily realized SPD technology is proposed to effectively optimize the structures of nanoparticles reinforced composites in industrial scale. High strength and good ductility are simultaneously achieved in the resultant composites.