Refining microstructure by severe plastic deformation to a nanometer range
changes fundamental properties, such as the Curie and Debye temperatures, a
nd engineering properties of pragmatic significance, such as strength and d
uctility. These enhancements originate in the combination of very small gra
in sizes coupled with specific defect structures. Ongoing research is rapid
ly advancing the understanding of severe plastic deformation-induced micros
tructures, leading toward the commercialization of these materials.