Scientific Achievement
Confirmed the universal existence of local order in CrCoNi in either quenched or aged forms and established the relationship between order and the nanomechanical properties of the material.
Significance and Impact
Established nanoindentation as a mechanical probe to study local order in a quantitative manner. In addition, this work identified the optimal heat treatment that gives maximum local order that amounts to a 20% increase in nanoindentation strength.
Research Details
- Different degrees of local order was generated by splat quenching, water quenching, or aging CrCoNi at 600-1000ÂșC.
- Nanoindentation and energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy were performed to establish the relationship between local order and nanomechanical strength.