In the authors’ opinion, the paper is highly cited because it is devoted to the rapidly growing and up-to-date subject of nanostructuring of metals and alloys by means of severe plastic deformation (SPD) techniques. The paper also introduces and discusses some essential terms and definitions. The problem of precise term meanings has always been important for scientists and researchers, especially in the context of a new and developing branch of knowledge.

¦click photo for larger image¦ “The important contribution is that the paper discusses and formally defines the proper terminology to be used in this research area.”

The paper describes new trends in the field of bulk ultrafine-grained materials produced by SPD techniques and it highlights recent achievements and possible new directions in this developing sphere of modern materials science. An important contribution is that the paper discusses and formally defines the proper terminology to be used in this research area.

It is probable that a rather wide audience will find this paper valuable as it provides a historical background of the issues and outlines future prospects for this research area including topical innovation developments. Bulk nanostructured materials have emerged over the last 20 years as significant structural materials, offering the potential for achieving remarkable physical and functional properties.

The last decade has witnessed significantly growing interest in the processing of bulk ultrafine-grained materials, although certain aspects of this research area lacked a clear and properly defined terminology. This omission prompted the six members of the International NanoSPD Steering Committee to collaborate in preparing the present paper.

One of the main problems is that the new trends described in the paper are continuing to develop and are attracting new people who are not fully conversant with the background of the field. Accordingly, the problem of terminology will require close and continuous attention as rapidly changing developments may necessitate changes in the existing terms or definitions.

Nanostructuring of metals through the application of SPD techniques leads to a dramatic enhancement of their mechanical properties. Therefore, it may provide the development of metallic materials during the next generation that should find applications in various branches of engineering, the power industry, and medicine.

It will be important to establish SPD processing as the basis for the commercial production of semi-products and products with UFG structures using a wide range of metals and alloys. Numerous applications may be anticipated for nanometals with superior mechanical properties in various industries, including transportation, medical devices, electronics, etc.