EBSD, XRD and SRS characterization of a casting Al-7wt%Si alloy processed by equal channel angular extrusion: Dislocation density evaluation

Abstract Aluminum‑silicon (Al Si) alloys of high silicon contents are composite materials; they are used whenever high casting properties are required. They are slightly ductile below 8wt%Si. An increase in ductility can be obtained by refining Si-crystals in elaboration or by a further hot working. In the present work, an Al-7wt%Si alloy was processed by Equal Channel Angular Extrusion (ECAE) at temperatures 20 °C and 160 °C up to three passes. The die was formed by two cylindrical channels with characteristic angles Φ = 110° and Ψ = 0. EBSD, X ray diffraction (XRD) and Strain Rate Sensitivity (SRS) were used to characterize the microstructure and the mechanical properties. High levels of …