Investigating the combined influence of rolling, ECAP processes, and intermediate annealing on mechanical and microstructural properties of beryllium copper alloy 25

Abstract

A beryllium copper alloy 25 underwent a series of processing steps involving rolling, equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP), and subsequent annealing. This study delved into the combined effects of these processes on the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of the deformed beryllium copper alloy 25. The investigation utilized optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, room temperature Vickers hardness testing, and tensile testing. The findings reveal a notable enhancement in the strength of the beryllium copper alloy 25 while preserving its ductility after subjecting it to six ECAP passes followed by annealing at 210 °C for 20 min, applied to the rolled sample. Initially, an increase in number of ECAP passes resulted in a gradual reduction in grain size and a weakening of the alloy's texture. This led to an increase in ultimate tensile strength up to 333.5% without reducing in percentage elongation. Notably, after six ECAP passes, the average grain size decreased from 48 µm to less than 1 µm, yielding exceptional comprehensive mechanical properties with significantly improved strength and plasticity. The resultant material exhibits promising potential for fabrication into bars and plates for a wide range of applications in aerospace and marine industries.