Research Progress on Metallic Heterostructure Materials

Heterostructured materials (HS) are a new type of novel materials that overcome the strength–conductivity trade-off due to significant differences in mechanical and physical properties between heterogeneous regions, resulting in a synergistic strengthening mechanism. This review article starts with the classification of heterostructured materials, which are divided into gradient nanograined materials, layered heterogeneous materials, and bimodal structural materials. The strengthening mechanisms of heterostructured materials are analyzed, including gradient plasticity mechanism, heterogeneous deformation-induced (HDI) strengthening and hardening mechanism, and the “shear band” strengthening mechanism. The HDI mechanism is attributed to the accumulation of geometrically necessary dislocations in the soft region at the grain boundary. The fatigue properties and formability of HS have been emphatically reviewed. Additionally, the combination of simulation and machine learning with materials genomics has promoted the rapid development of heterostructured materials, providing guidance for the prediction and design of high-strength and high-toughness heterostructured materials.