Grain boundary engineering and superstrength of nanocrystals

A new paradigm of hardening of nanocrystals is proposed based on the competing influence of various mechanisms of plastic deformation, i.e., dislocation sliding and grain-boundary slip. It has been confirmed using the results of computer modeling and the experimental data that the use of grain boundary engineering on the basis of the proposed ideas makes it possible to enhance substantially the strength of titaniumbased materials up to ultimate (theoretical) values.