Effects of combined multiaxial forging and rolling process on microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of a Cu-Ti alloys

Combined multiaxial forging (MAF) and rolling was performed on Cu-3% Ti (wt%) alloy at room temperature with emphasis on microstructural evolution, improvement in mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance. Microstructural changes were confirmed from various characterization techniques, and co-related with mechanical properties. TEM analysis revealed high shear band density in the 3 pass MAF + 90% rolled sample appearing due to high strain. EBSD analysis revealed transformation to low angle grain boundaries from high angle grain boundaries. Maximum microhardness and UTS reached to 340 HV and 960 MPa, respectively in the processed samples. Significant grain refinement was observed in MAF processed Cu-3%Ti alloy, and after combined MAF + rolling, higher dislocation density and refinement of shear bands were observed. In addition, potentio-dynamic polarization test was used to study the corrosion behavior of the alloy. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to analyze the corroded surface morphology.