| We suggest a theoretical model that describes the effects of solute atoms on plastic deformation through de-twinning processes mediated by incoherent twin boundaries (ITBs) in nanotwinned metallic alloys under a mechanical load. Within the model, the regions near ITBs contain the segregations of solute atoms formed during the fabrication of nanotwinned alloys in the stress fields of the dislocations composing ITBs. The critical parameters are calculated which characterize de-twinning processes in Cu-based nanotwinned alloys containing low concentrations of Ni, Zn or Al. By comparison of these critical parameters with those specifying pure nanotwinned Cu, it is concluded that solute atoms can effectively strengthen nanotwinned alloys. |
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