Effect of equal channel angular pressing on microstructure evolution and properties variations of a CuCrZrY alloy

The microstructural evolutions and properties variations of a CuCrZrY alloy processed by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) with different passes were studied systematically. After 4 passes of ECAP, the average grain size was decreased to 500 nm, and the grain size distribution became more uniform during the subsequent processing. After 8 passes ECAP-ed and aged at 400 degrees C for 7 h, the samples' tensile strength and electrical conductivity are 560 MPa and 86.4%IACS. The main strengthening mechanisms are precipitation strengthening, low-angle grain boundary strengthening, and high-angle grain boundary strengthening (about 82% in total). Finite element simulation was carried out through ABAQUS to obtain the equivalent strain distribution diagram of ECAP, resulting in that the strain force of the outer region was less than that of the inner one. The inconsistency of deformation leads to the inhomogeneity of microstructure. These findings will effectively guide researchers to develop high-strength high-electrical conductivity copper alloys. (c) 2021 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Automated summary

The microstructural evolution and property variations of CuCrZrY alloy processed by ECAP were systematically studied. After multiple passes of ECAP, the average grain size decreased significantly, leading to improved mechanical properties and electrical conductivity. The main strengthening mechanisms include precipitation strengthening, low-angle grain boundary strengthening, and high-angle grain boundary strengthening. The inconsistency of strain force between outer and inner regions may result in the inhomogeneity of microstructure.