Abstract
The deformation and fracture mechanisms of Al-Al₄C₃ nanomaterials with 4 vol.% of Al₄C₃ phase have been analysed using technique of the “in-situ tensile testing in SEM”. It has been shown that the deformation process causes break-up of large Al₄C₃ particles and decohesion of smaller ones. The final fracture path is influenced also by boundaries of nanograins, through which the principal crack propagates towards the sample exterior surface. Based on the experimental observations a model of damage and/or fracture mechanisms has been proposed.

Key words
dispersion strengthened Al, nanomaterials, in-situ tensile testing in SEM, model of the fracture mechanism.

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