Tensile deformation and fracture mechanisms of Cu/Nb nanolaminates studied by in situ TEM mechanical tests

The mechanisms of deformation and failure of Cu/Nb nanolaminates manufactured by accumulated roll bonding were analysed using in-situ TEM mechanical tests. Dog-bone small-scale tensile specimens were prepared using a FIB-based technique with the layers parallel and perpendicular to the loading axis. Load, deformation and TEM micrographs were recorded during the in-situ TEM mechanical tests. The specimens deformed parallel to the layers presented very high strain hardening and ductility while those deformed in the perpendicular orientation were more brittle. These results were rationalized in terms of the deformation and fracture mechanisms observed during the tests.