Hyper-Range Amorphization Unlocks Superior Damage Tolerance in Alloys

Shear bands dictate the failure mechanisms of alloys across various strain rates and limits the damage tolerance of the alloy. While localized amorphization has the potential to mitigate shear effects, it has thus far been confined to the nanoscale. Here, we extend amorphization to the micrometer scale, fundamentally replacing shear-dominated failure in multi-principal element alloy micropillars. Instead of applying a single strain rate, we implement continuous compression strain training from low to high strain rates, generating a top-down high-density dislocation gradient that drives the formation of a topological lattice disorder network, extending over one-third of the micropillar height (hyper-range amorphization). Within the amorphous bands, atoms exhibit dynamic disorder, and the lattice rearranges and recovers dissipating shear stress. The alloy achieves an ultimate compressive strength of ceramic level (~6.5 GPa), while maintaining ~59.1% plasticity. This work reveals a strain engineering-based mechanical mechanism for extending amorphization, establishing it as a viable pathway to enhancing the structural stability and energy dissipation capacity of alloys.