Nanoindentation evaluation of mechanical and wear properties of Zn-3% Cu-9% Al alloy processed via ECAP

This study utilizes equal channel angular pressing (ECAP), also known as equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE), to induce severe plastic deformation in Zn-3% Cu-9%Al (ZCA-9 Al) alloy, resulting in ultrafine-grained structures. ECAP is an unconventional technique used to impart severe plastic deformation to materials, producing ultrafine-grained (UFG) structures. To obtain UFG structures, two well-known Routes, A and Bc, as well as a newly proposed Route, D, were employed and evaluated. Following ECAP processing, the samples were subjected to various tests to assess their tensile properties, creep resistance, and wear track deformation behavior. The results demonstrated that all tested Routes significantly enhanced the tensile properties and creep resistance of ZCA-9 Al alloys. Routes A, Bc, and D increased the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) by 14.42%, 16.34%, and 12.82%, respectively, although they had minimal impact on wear track deformation. Overall, the findings indicate that Routes A, Bc, and D can improve the tensile and creep properties of ZCA-9 Al alloy, with Route Bc showing slightly superior results, though it required a higher extrusion force.