Microstructure and texture of Al-2Si-xSn (x = 0, 4, 8 mass%) alloys processed by equal channel angular pressing

Abstract

The influence of Sn on the microstructure, microstrain and grain morphology in Al-2Si-xSn samples processed by ECAP is reported and discussed. The pseudo-binary AlxSn alloys (where x = 0, 4, 8 mass%) were produced by conventional ingot casting. Samples were characterised by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamical mechanical analysis (DMA) and microhardness. Results showed that the initial texture was modified after several ECAP passes and the formation of subgrains were observed. The presence of Sn enhanced the tribological properties of the alloy but, the ECAP capacity for grain refining was reduced. Besides, it was also confirmed that the damping capacity and microhardness behaviour were dependent of the Sn contents. © 2012 The Japan Institute of Metals.