Microstructure and mechanical properties of Cu-10%Al-4%Fe alloy produced by equal channel angular extrusion

A commercial aluminum bronze alloy (Cu-10%Al-4%Fe) produced by hot-rolling was subjected to equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE) process at 550 degrees C, 600 degrees C and 650 degrees C, respectively. The effects of ECAE on microstructure, phase transformation behavior and mechanical properties of the alloy were investigated. The results showed that the extrusion temperature must be higher than the eutectoid reaction temperature of the alloy. The grain size of alloy gradually reduced with the increase of the pass number of ECAE, and the mechanical properties were significantly improved after ECAE. In addition, phase transformation temperature of the alloy can be reduced by ECAE process. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.