Interface and size effects in metal nano-composites

The macro scale fabrication of high performance metals with nano-structure and nano effect and the revelation of the characteristic of microstructure evolution to the functional regulation are the major scientific problems and the core key technologies in metal materials field. The correlations among interface, size effects and plastic deformation, strengthen of metallic nano-materials were predominately reviewed. The emphasis was placed on the recent progress of the metal nano-composites fabricated in the macro scale, the applicability of the classic Hall-Petch relation and the rule of mixture law, and interface and size effects on the microstructure, mechanical properties and physical properties of metal nano-composites. The developmental trends of high performance metal nano-composites for the applications were proposed.