Factors affecting reliability and performance are the main concerns when dealing with microsystem components/devices with continuously shrinking external dimensions. In particular, microstructural non-uniformities leading to materials property variations across the microcomponent have presented major challenges. However, recent developments in the field of electroplated nanocrystalline materials can offer an avenue to address many of these technical difficulties. In this paper, the deficiencies of metallic microsystem components currently in use are addressed, followed by a comparison which shows how nano-electroplated microcomponents can alleviate these problems. Materials properties enhancements that are achievable as a result of having nanostructured microcomponents will be discussed. The effects of grain size reduction on several specific performance indicators such as elastic energy storage capacity and wear resistance will be examined.
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