Tension-compression asymmetry of quadruple CuCoNiBe alloys processed by high-temperature multi-pass equal channel angular pressing (ECAP)

Abstract

Among copper alloys, the precipitation (age) hardening quadruple CuCoNiBe alloys due to their superior mechanical properties in terms of the highest strength and elasticity achieved by peak aging have been used over the years in a wide range of industrial applications including aircrafts, coil systems, blast-proof materials, and molding dies. Combined thermomechanical treatment (i.e., equal channel angular pressing [ECAP] processing followed by post-ECAP aging) can result in a further enhancement of the strength of CuCoNiBe alloys due to the grain refinement and the formation of fine precipitates from alpha-Cu supersaturated solid solution. In this study, for the first time, the effect of severe plastic deformation by ECAP processing on the mechanical behavior of CuCoNiBe alloys is discussed thoroughly based on the material responses to tensile and compressive loading conditions. The results show that, besides a considerable strength enhancement, ECAP processing leads to a strong tension-compression asymmetry and significantly accelerated precipitation kinetics in CuCoNiBe alloys.