Work-hardening mechanisms of the Ti60Cu14Ni12Sn4Nb10 nanocomposite alloy

intermetallic phase remains unaltered. Thehigh strength of the dendrites is caused by the interplay between solid solution hardeningand dislocation networks during plastic flow. Interestingly, the mechanical hardening ofthe nanoeutectic matrix is also assisted by a martensitic transformation of the NiTi phase.Transmission electron microscopy studies clearly show that the martensitictransformation of this phase is accompanied with grain size refinement, which also playsa role in the deformation-induced mechanical hardening.I. INTRODUCTIONComposite materials consisting of micrometer-sizedgrains surrounded by a glassy or nanostructured matrixhave attracted much attention because of their appealingcombination of mechanical properties, i.e., high strength,typical of glassy and nanostructured materials, togetherwith enhanced plasticity.