Enhancing Mechanical Properties of AZ91D Hybrid Composites through Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP)

This study investigates the impact of Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) on the microstructural and mechanical properties of AZ91D hybrid composites reinforced with SiC and B4C nanoparticles. EDAX and XRD analysis reveals the distribution of reinforcement particles and structural changes in the composite materials following ECAP treatment. The ECAP-double pass composite exhibits a hardness value of 65.5 HV, compared to 55.4 HV for the aged alloy and 62.3 HV for the ECAP-single pass composite. The average grain size was reduced to 25.10 microns for the double pass and 30.25 microns for the single pass, from 88.76 microns for the aged composites. This change is attributed to dynamic recrystallization during plastic deformation. Additionally, the ultimate tensile strength of the composite increased from 275 MPa for a single pass to 295 MPa for a double pass, indicating a significant improvement in both tensile strength and strain capacity.