Mechanical Properties of Aluminium Processed by ECAP

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of large plastic strain on the microstructure and mechanical properties of aluminium processed by severe plastic deformation (SPD) by the Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) method. Polycrystalline high purity aluminium (99,99%) was pressed at room temperature to produce samples subjected to 4, 8 and 12 ECAP passes. The microstructure of aluminium was examined using a light polarized microscope. Microhardness measurements and tensile tests were undertaken to determine the mechanical properties of the material processed by ECAP. The results obtained show the relationship between the microstructure and the mechanical properties of the material.