An overview on the influence of equal channel angular pressing parameters and its effect on materials: methods and applications

Abstract

ABSTRACT Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) is one of the severe plastic deformation methods that is applied to metals, alloys and composite materials in order to convert the normal grain structure into ultra-fine grain structure, so as to increase the strength of the metal and its ductility. The uniqueness of ECAP is that the severe plastic deformation apply large strains on the material without affecting the original dimensions of material. ECAP process was chosen among the other severe plastic deformation methods, because of its cost-effectiveness and simplicity. Die angle, corner angle, ECAP routes, number of passes and heat treatments have great impact on the micro-structure and mechanical properties of various materials. The grain refinement enhances the yield strength, tensile strength, hardness, ductility and corrosion resistance on ECAPed materials, which are commonly used for engineering and bio-medical applications. Many researchers have contributed greatly to this method. This article mainly focuses on the effect of ECAP die orientations and on novel ECAP methods that exclusively combines ECAP with heat treatment or hot working on aluminium, magnesium, titanium and other materials.