a product in which at least a portion of the product has a nanocrystalline microstructure , and a method of forming the product . the method generally entails machining a body in a manner that produces chips consisting entirely of nano - crystals as a result of the machining operation imposing a sufficiently large strain deformation . the body can be formed of a variety of materials , including metal , metal alloy and ceramic materials . furthermore , the body may have a microstructure that is essentially free of nano - crystals , and may even have a single - crystal microstructure . the chips produced by the machining operation may be in the form of particulates , ribbons , wires , filaments and / or platelets . the chips are then used to form the product . according to one aspect of the invention , the chips are consolidated to form the product , such that the product is a monolithic material that may contain nano - crystals . according to another aspect of the invention , the chips are dispersed in a matrix material , such that the product is a composite material in which the chips serve as a reinforcement material .