Plasticity in multiphase intermetallics

We have studied the mechanical behavior of model NiAl-based eutectic composites to gain insight on micromechanisms of plasticity in multiphase intermetallics. We show that in composites where the NiAl matrix and the reinforcing ductile second phase can deform compatibly due to easy slip transfer across interfaces, high room temperature tensile ductility and fracture toughness are obtained. In composites where interfaces are strong barriers to slip transfer and the metallic second phase has high strength and limited ductility, incompatible deformation of the two phases results in negligible tensile ductility and limited toughness enhancement. Factors that affect ease of slip transfer across interfaces are discussed. Calculations of dislocation pile-up stresses are used to predict whether slip is activated prior to cleavage or vice-versa for a given set of respective yield strengths and crystallographic orientation relationships between the two phases.