Does shape affect shape change at the nanoscale?

The mechanical deformation behavior of nanocomposite metals depends on the dimensions of their constituents, due to the interactions of dislocations with grain and phase boundaries. It is now becoming apparent that the mechanical behavior of these materials also depends on the constituent shapes. This article summarizes experimental and modeling investigations on two types of metal nanocomposites composed of intricately interpenetrating phases—those formed by phase separation in physical vapor codeposited alloys and those synthesized by liquid-metal dealloying. The opportunities and challenges these materials present for investigating complex microstructural morphologies and their effects on mechanical behavior are discussed.