Tailoring strength and plasticity of Ag/Nb nanolaminates via intrinsic microstructure and extrinsic dimension

Nanolayered metallic composites usually deform via a transition from homogeneous deformation to major shear banding with decreasing layer thickness, and thus the improvement of strength often sacrifices the plasticity of materials. Here, we show two methods to promote brittle-to-ductile transition in nanolayered Ag/Nb pillars. Intrinsically, while keeping the pillar diameter constant, the reduction of layer thickness can increase the strength of multilayers and suppress shear induced failure. Extrinsically, for a constant layer thickness, decreasing the diameter of pillar suppresses shear bands and promotes more uniform plastic deformation. Furthermore, the critical layer thickness at peak strength of multilayers increases monotonically with decreasing pillar diameter. Interface structures evolve from amorphous layer to coherent interface with reduction of layer thickness. Homogeneous co-deformation mediated by heterogeneous interfaces and columnar grain boundaries promotes a unique work hardening behavior. This study indicates that a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic size effect may enable the accomplishment of high strength and uniform deformation simultaneously. •Brittle-to-ductile transition in nanolayered metals is revealed through changing intrinsic and extrinsic dimension.•Intrinsically, the reduction of layer thickness can increase the strength of multilayers and suppress shear failure.•Extrinsically, decreasing the diameter of pillar suppresses shear bands and promotes uniform plastic deformation.•Homogeneous co-deformation promotes a unique work hardening behavior.