Evolution of mechanical properties, microstructure and texture and of various brass alloys processed by multi-directional forging

This study investigated mechanical properties and texture evolution of Cu-xZn alloys (x = 5, 15, 20, 30) processed by multi-directional forging (MDF) up to 6 passes at ambient temperature. Mechanical properties were examined via shear punch and hardness tests. Optical microscopy and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), equipped with electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) detector were also utilized to characterize the detailed microstructures and texture evolutions. The MDFed Cu-xZn alloys after 6 passes showed superior mechanical properties without the reduction of electrical conductivity. Hardness, ultimate shear strength and shear yield strength of Cu-30Zn alloy improved by 213%, 83% and 85%, respectively after 6 passes of MDF. Enhancement of mechanical properties can be attributed to grain refinement. The MDFed Cu-5Zn alloy presented a predominantly Copper-type texture due to the higher activity of shear bands. By increasing Zn to Cu-15Zn and Cu-20Zn, Brass and Goss texture components were observed. Finally, Cu-30Zn alloy possessed a Brass texture which could be attributed to a higher amount of twinings.