Revealing the intrinsic ductility of electrodeposited nanocrystalline metals

We electrodeposited bulk nanocrystalline Fe–Ni alloys with a tensile ductility of 12%–24%. We explored the intrinsic ductility of these alloys, taking into consideration the relationship between the ductility and the orientation index and contents of the grain boundary embrittlement element. Applying multiple regression analysis to our findings and those from the literature we found that the ductility of Fe–Ni alloys can be predicted from their orientation index for the (2 0 0) plane and sulfur content. The analysis of our study points to the potential for intrinsic ductility in nanocrystalline Fe–Ni alloys greater than that of the present highest value of 24%.