Nanocrystalline metals—with grain sizes less than 100 nm— have strengths exceeding those of coarse-grained and even alloyed metals [1], [2]. A bulk nanocrystalline Cu-1%Nb alloy was synthesized by an in-situ consolidation mechanical alloying technique. The mechanical behavior of this alloy was investigated by hardness and tensile tests. The nanostructure was investigated by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy and the fracture surface by scanning electron microscopy. Electrical resistivity was measured using a four-point probe technique. The dilute additives of Nb and the processing conditions induced artifact-free bulk nanocrystalline materials that possess extraordinary high strength, good ductility, and high electrical conductivity.

晶粒尺寸小于100 nm的纳米晶体金属的强度超过了粗晶粒甚至合金金属的强度[1]，[2]。通过原位固结机械合金化技术合成了块状纳米晶Cu-1％Nb合金。通过硬度和拉伸试验研究了该合金的机械性能。通过X射线衍射和透射电子显微镜研究纳米结构，并且通过扫描电子显微镜研究断裂表面。使用四点探针技术测量电阻率。Nb的稀释添加剂和加工条件可诱导出无伪影的块状纳米晶体材料，该材料具有非凡的高强度，良好的延展性和高导电性。