| Abstract Scope |
Downsizing is still one of the main trends in the research for a commercial application, and nanostructured (NS) metal and alloys are a possible solution to obtain the desired properties in small size and volume. However, usually, there is a strong dependence of the advanced properties upon the grain size. The far from equilibrium nanocrystalline structures contain a high fraction of grain boundaries, which makes the system thermodynamically unstable, especially in a single component NS metals; and the slight temperature increase could often lead to rapid grain growth and be detrimental for the required properties. There are several approaches for the structure stabilization and the suppression of the grain boundary migration. The recent work will present an overview of methods on how to maintain advanced properties and to stabilize the structure, for example by the retardation of boundary migration by the action of solutes and second-phase particles. |