Effect of multiaxial cryoforging on microstructure and mechanical properties of a Cu-Ti Alloy

Abstract

Cu-Ti alloy, processed by multiaxial forging (MAF) at cryogenic temperature with a cumulative strain up to 1.64, was investigated for microstructure and mechanical properties. The deformed microstructures were analyzed using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The average grain size of 2 μm was achieved in the deformed sample after 3 cycles of MAF. TEM studies indicated that the shear bands width of the deformed sample after 3 cycles reduced to 1 μm. Tests for mechanical properties indicated an increase in tensile strength and hardness and it was found to be correlated with an increase in dislocation density and grain boundary strengthening mechanism. Ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 390 MPa, 480 MPa, and 590 MPa was observed in MAF processed samples after 1, 2, and 3 cycles, respectively. Hardness increased from 65 Hv (as-received) to 240 Hv after 3 cycles of MAF. Fractography analysis showed that, with an increase in number of MAF cycles, dimple size reduced up to 1 cycle and percentage elongation increased after 2 cycles of MAF.