Unprecedented high-strength and ductility in Ni nanograined metal via minor phosphorus alloying

Abstract

A bulk Ni nanograined (NG) metal with 2 at.% P alloying was synthesized via electrodeposition, leading to notable improvements in mechanical properties compared to its NG Ni counterpart. The reduction in grain size from 104 nm to 45 nm, accompanied by a remarkable increase in yield strength from 620 MPa to 1550 MPa, signifies the efficacy of phosphorus (P) incorporation. Remarkably, the ductility of NG Ni-P remains robust at 16 %, comparable to NG Ni. These enhancements stem from the synergistic effects of P, which not only refine grain size but also promote the formation of a dense network of growth stacking faults, dislocations, and growth twins within the as-deposited NG Ni-P structure.