The microstructure, mechanical properties and deformation of bimodal structured nanocrystalline Al-7.5Mg alloy were investigated. Grain refinement was achieved by cryomilling of atomized Al-7.5Mg powders, and then cryomilled nanocrystalline powders blended with 15% and 30% unmilled coarse-grained powders were consolidated by hot isostatic pressing followed by extrusion to produce bulk nanocrystalline alloys. Bimodal bulk nanocrystalline Al-7.5Mg alloys, which were comprised of nanocrystalline grains separated by coarse-grain regions, show balanced mechanical properties of enhanced yield and ultimate strength and reasonable ductility and toughness compared to comparable conventional alloys and nanocrystalline metals.

The microstructure and mechanical properties consisting of tensile behavior and hardness of bulk nanocrystalline Al-7.5Mg alloy were investigated. Grain refinement was achieved by cryomilling of atomized Al-7.5Mg powders, and then nanocrystalline powders blended with 15% and 30% coarse-grained Al-7.5Mg powders were consolidated by hot isostatic pressing (HIP) followed by extrusion to produce bulk nanocrystalline Al-7.5Mg alloys. Bimodal structures, which enhance ductility and toughness of nanocrystalline metals, were produced that consisted of nanocrystalline grains and elongated coarse-grain bands. Examination of indentation revealed unusual deformation mechanisms and interactions between the coarse-grain bands and nanocrystalline regions. The ductile coarse-grain bands underwent extensive plastic deformation near indentation, while nanocrystalline regions exhibited limited deformation.