Atomic simulations of deformation mechanisms of crystalline Mg/amorphous Mg–Al nanocomposites

The effects of amorphous boundary (AB) spacing on the deformation behavior of crystalline/amorphous (C/A) Mg/MgAl nanocomposites under tensile load are investigated using molecular dynamics method. The results show that the plasticity of nano-polycrystal Mg can be enhanced with the introduction of C/A interfaces. For samples 5.2 nm in AB spacing and larger, the superior tensile ductility and nearly perfect plastic flow behavior occur during plastic deformation. The studies indicate that the cooperative interactions between crystalline and amorphous are the main reason for excellent ductility enhancements in C/A Mg/MgAl nanocomposites.