9409750 Ma This Research Initiation Proposal is to synthesize and process macroscopic, dense, nanophase metals and alloys for a systematic study of the fundamental properties of non-equilibrium materials. Emphasis will be given to their densification and deformation behaviors and mechanisms, as well as their kinetics of microstructural evolution and thermodynamic stability. Efforts will be directed towards obtaining large samples which will then allow traditional mechanical tests to be conducted. Extraordinarily high pressures during consolidation will be used to enhance plastic deformation during densification in order to obtain the advantages of small grain size with reduced chances of grain growth. ***
