Achieve exceptional mechanical properties via regulating the short-range ordering

Metal nanowires usually exhibit ultrahigh strength, but have relatively low homogeneous plasticity. Previous studies on pure metals have shown that the poor ductility of nanowires is due to the thick twins, which leads to stress concentration. Here, we discovered that regulating the short-range order in high-entropy alloys (HEA) nanowires is the key to achieving excellent mechanical properties. The FeCoNiCuPd HEA nanowire with high strength of ∼1.45 GPa and ultra-large uniform elongation of ∼40.5 % was achieved. These excellent properties originate from V-shaped twins produced by alternately emitting partial dislocations on two intersecting {111} planes and zig-zag-like twins produced by separated partial dislocations. Our results provide new information on the deformation mechanism of metallic alloys and are valuable for designing metallic materials with superior mechanical properties.