Equal Channel Angular Extrusion Progress Report for March 1998 - May 1999

Pure copper and Alloy 5083 aluminum were processed by equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE); their microstructural evolution and corresponding mechanical properties were investigated. Work also began on the possible use of ECAE to synthesize advanced materials or to consolidate metal powders or powder mixtures. The die tooling used for ECAE is described and selected microstructural and mechanical property results for ECAE-processed copper and cold-rolled (conventionally-processed) copper in the as-processed and annealed condition are compared. Results thus far show that the “pure” metal is prone to low temperature recrystallization after large strain hardening—more beneficial effects are expected in the dispersion-strengthened and precipitation-hardening alloys. The large range of tensile properties and grain sizes from the copper allowed a flow stress analysis to be performed. From this analysis, a new model for flow stress behavior is proposed. An evaluation of ECAE processing of material for spot welding electrodes began. Results to date include electrodes of ECAE-processed commercially pure copper (Alloy 101). Future work involving Glidcop® (Al2O3 oxide dispersionstrengthened copper) and CuCrZr (Cr-Zr precipitation dispersion) materials will be required to fully investigate the benefits of ECAE for electrode life extension. Initial work on Aluminum Alloy 5083 showed that ECAE led to grain refinement as well as broke up and more uniformly dispersed the hardening precipitates. This is desirable for enhancing superplastic behavior. Study of ECAE for consolidating metal powder began. Early results with a Cu-Ag powder indicate that near 100% density was achieved with room temperature consolidation