Influence of ECAP processing on mechanical and wear properties of brass alloy

Abstract

The present work deals with the concept of application of ECAP onto commercial Cu-30Zn brass alloy in order to develop the microstructure, mechanical and wear properties. In this regard, specific die for ECAP process with constant parameters has been developed to severely deform brass alloy at room temperature using three passes with route C and lubricating conditions. The microstructure of as-received and ECAP-deformed brass alloy samples were characterized using optical microscope. Micro-hardness and tensile tests were carried out to estimate the mechanical properties of as-received and ECAP processed brass alloy sample. Furthermore, the wear characteristics of investigated brass alloy samples were analyzed using dry sliding wear test at room temperature. The results showed that a significant grain refinement in the microstructure of ECAP deformed brass samples was achieved compared to initial brass alloy. The micro-hardness and mechanical tensile strength were also increased markedly after ECAP process compared to initial brass alloy. Moreover, the wear resistance of ECAP processed brass sample increased significantly after three passes of ECAP compared to initial brass alloy.