Microstructure and mechanical properties of a Zn-0.5Cu alloy processed by high-pressure torsion

The microstructure, texture and mechanical properties of a quasi-single-phase Zn-0.5Cu (wt. %) alloy processed by high-pressure torsion (HPT) for up to 10 turns were investigated using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), Vickers hardness measurements and uniaxial tensile tests. The results show that during torsional straining there is dynamic recrystallization, subgrain refinement, a dissolution of epsilon - Zn4Cu precipitates and solid-solution strengthening. Monotonic deformation develops a strong {0001}11 (2) over bar0 local texture instead of the characteristic basal fiber texture. Sharp texture and misorientation angles for all grain boundaries of <30 degrees causes significantly higher yield stress and ultimate tensile stress compared to processing of the alloy by equal-channel angular pressing.