Grain refinement in low SFE and particle-containing nickel aluminium bronze during severe plastic deformation at elevated temperatures

The influence of particle size and morphology on grain refinement in low stacking fault energy (SFE) alloys was studied by comparing the grain structures in single- and multi-phase Al-bronze (AB) alloys following equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) between 350 and 500 degrees C. In particular, nickel aluminium bronze (NAB) was chosen as it contained both coarse and fine rounded particles, as well as a lamellar phase which evolved during ECAP. Grain refinement in the single-phase alloy was achieved through dynamic recrystallisation initiated at deformed twin boundaries. By contrast, different mechanisms were observed in the particle-containing NAB. Recrystallisation around the coarse kappa(II) particles (similar to 5 mu m) was promoted through particle stimulated nucleation (PSN), whereas recrystallisation in the region of the fine kappa(IV) (similar to 0.4 mu m) was delayed due to the activation of secondary slip. Grain refinement in areas of the lamellar kappa(III) showed significant variation, depending on the lamellar orientation relative to the shear plane of ECAP. As the lamellae deformed, numerous high angle grain boundaries were generated between fragments and served as nucleation sites for recrystallisation, while PSN occurred around spheroidised lamellae. The spreading of the kappa(III) particles by ECAP then enhanced the total area of recrystallised grains. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The editorial office of Journal of Materials Science & Technology.

Automated summary

The influence of particle size and morphology on grain refinement in low stacking fault energy alloys was investigated, showing different mechanisms in recrystallization process for various particles. The orientation of lamellar structures relative to ECAP plays a significant role in grain refinement.