This is the first authored book presenting a fundamental, coherent and current account of nanocrystalline and nanocomposite bulk materials and coatings at the theoretical and practical levels. A valuable resource for graduate students studying nanomaterials science and nanotechnologies, as well as researchers and practitioners in materials science and engineering. Preface ix Acknowledgments xii Introduction 1(24) Coatings and thin films 2(3) Bulk parts 5(3) Other nanostructured materials for structural applications 8(13) Topics to be covered 21(4) References 21(4) Processing of structural nanocrystalline materials 25(68) Introduction 25(2) Methods for preparation of bulk structural nanocrystalline materials 27(45) Preparation of nanostructured, hard, and superhard coatings 72(21) References 85(8) Stability of structural nanocrystalline materials -- grain growth 93(41) Introduction 93(1) Experimental methods for measuring grain growth 94(5) Grain-growth theories for conventional grain size materials 99(9) Grain growth at ambient temperature in nanocrystalline materials 108(1) Inhibition of grain growth in nanocrystalline materials 109(5) Experimental studies of isothermal grain-growth kinetics in nanocrystalline materials 114(4) Thin films and coatings 118(16) References 128(6) Mechanical properties of structural nanocrystalline materials -- experimental observations 134(70) Elastic properties of nanostructured materials 134(2) Anelastic properties 136(2) Hardness and strength 138(13) Ductility of nanocrystalline materials: optimization of strength and ductility 151(18) Superplasticity of nanocrystalline materials 169(4) Creep of nanocrystalline materials 173(4) Fatigue of nanocrystalline materials 177(3) Fracture and fracture toughness of nanocrystalline materials 180(2) Mechanical properties of superhard nanostructured coatings 182(12) Summary 194(10) References 196(8) Mechanical properties of structural nanocrystalline materials -- theory and simulations 204(113) Introduction 204(4) Specific structural features of nanocrystalline materials 208(9) Basic concepts on plastic deformation processes in nanocrystalline materials 217(4) Nanoscale and interface effects on lattice dislocation slip 221(3) Deformation modes associated with enhanced diffusion along grain boundaries and their triple junctions. Competition between deformation mechanisms. Effect of a distribution of grain size 224(5) Grain-boundary sliding in nanocrystalline materials 229(16) Interaction between deformation modes in nanocrystalline materials. Emission of lattice dislocations from grain boundaries. Twin deformation mode 245(13) Interaction between deformation modes in nanocrystalline materials. Rotational deformation mode 258(10) Fracture mechanisms in nanocrystalline materials. Generation, growth and convergence of nanocracks 268(23) Strain-rate sensitivity, ductility and superplasticity of nanocrystalline materials 291(12) Diffusion in nanocrystalline materials 303(3) Concluding remarks 306(11) References 308(9) Corrosion of structural nanomaterials 317(24) Introduction 317(1) Effect of defects and grain size 318(1) Corrosion of metallic and alloyed nanostructured materials 319(1) Nanocrystalline nickel 319(1) Nanocrystalline cobalt and its alloys 320(6) Zirconium and its alloys 326(5) 304 Austenitic steels: wet corrosion 331(2) 304 Austenitic steels: dry corrosion 333(3) Magnetic nanocomposites 336(5) References 338(3) Applications of structural nanomaterials 341(21) Introduction 341(2) Ceramic nanocomposites for load-bearing applications 343(1) Bulk nanoribbons can tie up photonic circuits 343(1) Functionally gradient nanoparticles 344(1) Nanotechnology in automotive applications 344(2) Nanoclay--polymer composites for structural applications 346(1) Nanotechnology in the consumer world 347(3) Nanobelts for actuator applications 350(1) Nanosteel for high wear, toughness and hardness applications 350(1) Copper--carbon nanotube composite for high heat applications 351(1) Metal matrix nanocomposites for structural applications 352(1) Application of ferrofluids with magnetic nanoparticles 352(3) Industrial applications of nanocomposite coatings 355(3) Applications of electrodeposited nanostructures 358(1) Potential military applications 359(1) Concluding remarks 360(2) References 360(2) Index 362