Using Severe Plastic Deformation to Produce Nanostructured Materials with Superior Properties

The past decade was marked by significant advances in the development of severe plastic deformation (SPD) techniques to achieve new and superior properties in various materials. This review examines the achievements in these areas of study and explores promising trends in further research and development. SPD processing provides strong grain refinement at the nanoscale and produces very high dislocation and point defect densities as well as unusual phase transformations associated with particle dissolution, precipitation, or amorphization. Such SPD-induced nanostructural features strongly influence deformation and transport mechanisms and can substantially enhance the performance of advanced materials. Exploiting this knowledge, we discuss the concept of nanostructural design of metals and alloys for multifunctional properties such as high strength and electrical conductivity, superplasticity, increased radiation, and corrosion tolerance. Special emphasis is placed on advanced metallic biomaterials that promote innovative applications in medicine.