Influence of Equal Channel Angular Extrusion on Mechanical Characteristics and Associated Microstructural Changes of Aluminum, Copper, Titanium and Magnesium Alloys and Their Metal Matrix Composites—A Review

Abstract

Abstract A focus of the current industrial sector is motivated to develop a new class of advanced materials with superior characteristics compared to currently available conventional materials. In the recent past, light metals and alloys, such as aluminum, copper, titanium, and magnesium alloys and their metal matrix composites (MMCs) have been increasingly accepted in automotive, aerospace, and biomedical sectors. Moreover, for improving the physical and mechanical characteristics of these materials, the processing of materials with secondary metalworking techniques (severe plastic deformation [SPD], complete and partial heat treatment processes, cryogenic treatment, surface coatings, etc.) is essential. Out of several secondary metalworking techniques, the most efficient is the SPD technique with equal channel angular pressing (ECAP). ECAP is widely adopted to produce materials with significantly reduced grain size and excellent properties. The current review article aims to present the effect of ECAP on the physical and mechanical characteristics of aluminum, copper, titanium, and magnesium alloys, and their MMCs are discussed. Microstructural studies and their associated statistical parameters of these materials are discussed using several destructive and nondestructive techniques. Also, the use of in-situ methods, such as digital image correlation, infrared thermography, etc., is examined to study the deformation mechanisms in ECAP. This review article provides a new direction for researchers working in materials engineering and science fields to recognize the importance of the ECAP technique on mechanical characteristics and associated microstructural changes of majorly used alloys and MMCs.