Equal channel angular pressing–forward extrusion (ECAP–FE) consolidation of Al particles

Particles of commercially pure Al are successfully consolidated at 200 °C by a novel method named equal channel angular pressing-forward extrusion (ECAP–FE). Using this method, both ECAP and forward extrusion processes are carried out subsequently in a single tool. The extrusion process exerts a back pressure for ECAP process which prevents surface cracking and improves microstructure and mechanical properties of the produced material. The improvement is related to the shear deformation induced during ECAP and the increase in self-diffusion coefficient of Al due to the exerted back pressure.