Synthesis of nanocrystalline materials — an overview

This paper reviews research work at the Institute for Materials and Advanced Processes (IMAP), University of Idaho, on the synthesis of nanocrystalline materials and their consolidation. Nanocrystalline materials have been synthesized by a number of ‘far from equilibrium processes’, including mechanical alloying (MA), mechanochemical processing (MCP), supercritical fluid processing (SCFP), and severe plastic deformation (SPD). Examples of the materials include the Ti–Al based intermetallic compounds and composites produced by MA and SPD, Ti base alloys and metal carbides synthesized by MCP, thin film Cu produced by SCFP, and Al–Fe alloys produced by SPD. Details of the processes used and the enhancement of properties due to the nanoscale structures in consolidated material will be presented. The potential of these processes to substitute for conventional methods of production will also be discussed.