On the flow and mechanical behavior of Al matrix composite reinforced by nickel based (90% Ni–10% Cr) wires during equal channel angular pressing

Equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) is currently being used for its ability to produce ultra-fine grain microstructures in metallic alloys with potential industrial application. In this work a novel research was carried out to study the deformation behavior of ECAP Al matrix composite reinforced by longitudinal nickel based (90% Ni–10% Cr) wires. In addition, the composite provides an opportunity to characterize the flow pattern of ECAP in route A. Although the macrostructural flow pattern of the deformed composite and that of CP Al show some similarities, their microstructural flow patterns are different. Two ductile-phase deformation concept and strain hardening diagrams were used to analyze the wire matrix interactions. As a result of the interaction of the matrix with the wires during deformation, the matrix turbulence appeared in the microstructure among the wires with adjacent intensive shear bands. The results show that the presence of high strengths wires in the Al matrix not only improves the homogeneity of strain throughout the specimen even in the dead zone, but also enhances grain refinement within the matrix. The mechanical properties investigation reveals a substantial improvement of UTS and elongation of the ECAP composite specimen due to a finer microstructure along with the interaction of the wires and the matrix.