Effect of strain rate on mechanical properties of Cu/Ni multilayered composites processed by electrodeposition

Mechanical properties of Cu/Ni multilayered composites processed by electrodeposition were investigated by tensile tests at different strain rates in the range of 5 × 10⁻⁵ to 5 × 10⁻² s⁻¹ at room temperature. With increasing strain rates, the strength and ductility of Cu/Ni multilayered composites increased simultaneously, while their strain rate sensitivity also increased, which is very different from the constituent pure Cu and Ni. The back-stress caused by the Cu/Ni layer interfaces also increased with strain rate. Strong back-stress work hardening is observed, which is the main reason for the observed good ductility.