Gradient Microstructure Induced Synergetic Strengthening in Strain-Softening Zn Alloy

Synergetic strengthening by designing of gradient nanostructures is a novel method to enhance strength in metals and alloys. Herein, we realize synergetic strengthening in strain-softening Zn alloy with gradient nanostructures. The results show that synergetic strengthening accounts for at least 25.5 pct of the yield strength of the strain-softening Zn alloy. The synergetic strengthening is induced by the microstructural gradient and the resultant strength gradient regardless of specific hardening or softening of the refined microstructures.