ECAE an emerging processing technology to produce relevant properties in metallic materials

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to give an overview of a recent technique in mechanical processing of materials known as "equal channel angular extrusion" (ECAE). This is an innovative method of microstructure refinement through a very intense plastic deformation by simple shear without significant alterations in material dimensions. The historic origin of the technique is outlined with a description in detail of the process and a macromechanic analysis of the ECAE technique. The advantages of this treatment over other techniques, in order to produce ultra-fine grain materials in bulk samples with the resulting enhacement of its mechanical properties, are analysed, in particular its potential superplastic behaviour. The determining factors of the process and the experimental techniques for the understanding of the microstructure evolution are outlined. Finally, a closely and recently emerged technique related to ECAE, known as "equal channel angular drawing" (ECAD), is studied.