THERMO-MECHANICAL PROCESS TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF GRAIN BOUNDARY NETWORKS IN METAL ALLOYS

摘要

Methods to enhance the quality of grain boundary networks are described. The process can result in the production of a metal including a relatively large fraction of special grain boundaries (e.g., a fraction of special grain boundaries of at least about 55%).

主权项

1. A method of processing a metal alloy, comprising:
while maintaining the metal alloy at a temperature expressed in Kelvins of at least about 0.95 times the solvus temperature of the metal alloy expressed in Kelvins:
applying a force to strain the metal alloy over a first period of time; andreducing the applied force over a second period of time subsequent to the first period of time; wherein the metal alloy is processed to have a special grain boundary fraction of at least about 55%.