Interface amorphization improving the mechanical properties of Cu–Ta nanolaminates

Abstract

In this paper, interficial structure and mechanicail behaviour of Cu–Ta nanolaminates has been investigated. The TEM results presents that amorphous transition area forms at the interface of Cu layer and Ta layer, because of the large interface energy during nonequilibrium deposition. The Cu–Ta nanolaminates presents the superhardness effect that the hardness reaches up to 11.2 Gpa. Meawhile, the nanolaminates keeps considerable ductility, because the amorphous transition reduces the interface energy, and the nucleation of shear bands in amorphous is effectively suppressed by amorphous-crystalline interfaces.