Evolution of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Composite Aluminum-Based Alloy during ECAP

Abstract

The effect of equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) in an equal-channel stepped die on the microstructure and the mechanical properties of silumin AK9 (Al–Si–Mn–Mg) modified by a master alloy with nanostructured carbon in the form of fullerene black and synthesized glassy carbon particles formed during manufacturing the master alloy is studied. Silumins belong to nondeformable cast alloys; however, ECAP at 500°C makes its plastic deformation up to three passes possible. Three passes of deformation significantly refine the structure of the AK9 modified silumin. ECAP results in the refinement of silicon inclusions, which are of the fabrication origin and do not undergo plastic deformation.