Electrodeposited vs. consolidated nanocrystals: Differences and similarities

Differences and similarities of structure-property relationships observed in nanostructured materials prepared by electrodeposition and consolidation of nanocrystalline precursor powders will be discussed. Directionally similar properties observed in both classes of materials, such as initial hardness, strength and electrical resistivity, can be explained in terms of enhanced volume fractions of grain boundaries and triple junctions which are common to both types of structures. However, for properties that show considerable differences such as saturation magnetization, thermal expansion, heat capacity or Young's modulus, other microstructural characteristics must be considered. (C) 1997 Acta Metallurgica Inc.