On the generation of nanograins in pure copper through uniaxial single compression

Abstract

Attempts at generating nanograins through uniaxial single compression were made by deforming copper samples at 298 K and 77 K. At 298 K, dynamically-deformed samples (DDS) become softer, in contrast to quasi-statically deformed samples (QDS), which show a hardness close to the saturation value. The microstructure of DDS is characterised by deformation twins and equiaxed micron-sized grains, and the observed softening is due to the occurrence of recrystallisation (RX). At a reduced temperature of 77 K, nanograins are generated in DDS, whereas QDS show forest dislocations and twins. The generation of nanograins, which evolve through rotational DRX, is associated with the formation of shear bands with an amorphous structure. Compared with twinning, it appears that amorphisation plays a more pronounced role in high strain rate deformation at reduced temperatures (77 K). The hardness of DDS, obtained from compression at 77 K, exceeds the saturation value by 16%, whereas that of QDS corresponds approximately to saturation. © 2010 Taylor & Francis.