Synthesis of Bulk Materials by Equal Channel Angular Consolidation of Particles

Pure aluminium and titanium powders were successfully synthesised into bulk materials using equal channel angular (ECA) consolidation. Powders were used directly without the need to cold-compact them into green bodies. The processing temperatures were significantly lower than the usual sintering temperatures for aluminium and titanium. Fully dense bulk samples were achieved after one pass of ECA deformation through a 90 degree die. Mechanical properties of the as-ECA processed materials were comparable to those of wrought aluminium and titanium through ingot metallurgy. Multiple passes of ECA deformation resulted in refined microstructure and improved mechanical properties. The new process has many advantages over conventional powder sintering and is capable of producing bulk nanomaterials of high integrity.