Achieving High Hetero-Deformation Induced (HDI) Strengthening and Hardening in Brass by Dual Heterostructures

Heterostructured materials have a superior combination of strength and ductility, due to their ability to produce hetero-deform induced (HDI) strengthening and hardening. Therefore, achieving high HDI strengthening and hardening is a goal for designing heterostructures. Here we report a dual heterostructure in brass that includes heterogeneous lamella and gradient structures, fabricated by rolling, partial annealing and rotationally accelerated shot peening (RASP). Extraordinary HDI strengthening and hardening were achieved by the dual heterostructures, which led to a more superior combination of strength and ductility, than the single heterostructures. This finding presents a new pathway to designing heterostructures in metallic materials.