Fig. 1: Schematic diagram of the UHSQ process for fabricating a mechanically interlocked Cu-Fe-based composite.

a Schematic illustration of the “interface riveting” mechanism. An initially weak contact between immiscible Cu and Fe₅₅Cr₂₅Mo₁₆B₂C₂ metallic glass particles is transformed into a strong, mechanically interlocked physical bond at the interface. b The schematic temperature-time profile of the UHSQ process, characterized by ultrafast heating (500 ~ 1000 K/s), a short sintering plateau at high temperature, and subsequent rapid quenching. c Schematic of the experimental procedure, showing the sample, housed in a ZrO₂ die, being rapidly heated between two carbon electrodes and then quickly submerged into a silicone oil bath for quenching. d Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images reveal rivet-like connections formed by physical deformation between Cu and FeCrMo nanocrystals. e A photographic sequence capturing the key moments of the actual UHSQ process. f The Cu-Fe-based composite pellet with positive mixing enthalpy was prepared by UHSQ sintering.