Severe Plastic Deformation Processing of Metal Matrix Composites

Abstract

Several studies in the past have established the potential of severe plastic deformation (SPD) techniques to produce ultrafine-grained (UFG) or nanostructured (NS) materials that offer exceptional properties. Although most of these efforts were limited to laboratory-scale investigations, the industrial application of SPD processing requires tremendous research efforts. In this view, an attempt is made in this article to summarize the fundamental understanding of different SPD techniques and their specific applicability towards the processing of metal matrix composites. Special emphasis is placed on the microstructural evolution during SPD processing and the factors affecting the end mechanical properties of SPD processed materials.