Abstract: Processes by which bulk forms can be produced in a single continuous operation, as opposed to multi-stage deformation processes that involve a series of separate and discrete deformation operations or stages. Such processes generally entail deforming a solid body using a large-strain extrusion machining technique and deformation conditions that obtain a predetermined crystallographic texture in the continuous bulk form that differs from the crystallographic texture of the solid body.

Abstract: Processes by which bulk forms can be produced in a single continuous operation, as opposed to multi-stage deformation processes that involve a series of separate and discrete deformation operations or stages. Such processes generally entail deforming a solid body using a large-strain extrusion machining technique and deformation conditions that obtain a predetermined crystallographic texture in the continuous bulk form that differs from the crystallographic texture of the solid body.

Abstract: A method by which consolidated articles can be produced from nanocrystalline materials to have mechanical properties that can be improved through thermal treatment. The method entails machining a body to produce polycrystalline chips having nanocrystalline microstructures, and then consolidating the chips to form a consolidated article having mechanical properties that exceed that of the body from which the chips were formed. In particular, consolidation of nanocrystalline chips formed by machining a supersaturated solid-solution body causes precipitation of a fine dispersion of precipitates in the consolidated article, with the potential for certain properties to even improve during consolidation or subsequent thermal treatment of the consolidated article.

Abstract: A product in which at least a portion of the product has a nanocrystalline microstructure, and a method of forming the product. The method generally entails machining a body in a manner that produces chips consisting entirely of nano-crystals as a result of the machining operation imposing a sufficiently large strain deformation. The body can be formed of a variety of materials, including metal, metal alloy and ceramic materials. Furthermore, the body may have a microstructure that is essentially free of nano-crystals, and may even have a single-crystal microstructure. The chips produced by the machining operation may be in the form of particulates, ribbons, wires, filaments and/or platelets. The chips are then used to form the product. According to one aspect of the invention, the chips are consolidated to form the product, such that the product is a monolithic material that may contain nano-crystals.