| A short overview of key concepts on superplasticity and ductility of nanomaterials characterized by high strength is presented. We consider plastic and superplastic flow mechanisms operating in nanocrystalline materials and their sensitivity to grain size. Also, strategies to achieve good ductility in strong nanocrystalline and nanocomposite materials (highly desired for a wide range of applications) are discussed. The specific features of superplastic deformation in nanomaterials are analysed with focuses placed on underlying mechanisms of superplasticity and their interaction at the nanoscale level. Unresolved questions and future research directions in this rapidly growing area of nanoscience and nanotechnology are briefly discussed. |
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