Microstructural and texture evolution of copper-(chromium, molybdenum, tungsten) composites deformed by high-pressure-torsion

Cu-refractory metal composites containing Cr, Mo or W were subjected to severe plastic deformation using room temperature high-pressure torsion (HPT). A lamellar microstructure developed in each of the composites at equivalent strains of ∼75. The refractory metals developed {hkl}⟨111⟩ fibre textures with a slight tilt to the tangential direction. This texture was stronger and more clearly defined in Mo and W than in Cr. By applying additional HPT deformation to these samples, perpendicular to the original shear strain, it was found that the lamellar structure of Cu30Mo70 and Cu20W80 (wt%) composites could be retained at high equivalent strains and the refractory layer thickness could be reduced to 20–50 nm in Cu20W80 and 10–20 nm in Cu30Mo70. Although neighbouring regions of the microstructure were aligned and there was evidence of local texture in both composites, the bulk texture of Cu30Mo70 became weaker during this second step of HPT deformation. This was attributed to the refractory metal lamellae being discontinuous and imperfectly aligned. This work shows that it is possible to form ultrafine composites of Cu-group VI refractory metals via high-pressure torsion, with namolamellar structures being possible where there is a sufficient volume fraction of Mo or W. •Cu-Cr/Mo/W composites were deformed via high pressure torsion (HPT).•Lamellar microstructures with {hkl}⟨111⟩ fibre textures form at strain ∼75.•Nanolamellar microstructures formed in Cu30Mo70 and Cu20W80(wt.%) via additional HPT.•Layer thicknesses of 10-20 nm in Cu30Mo70 and 20-50 nm in Cu20W80.•Nanolamellae are discontinuous and their alignment deviates from shear plane.