Improved Hardness and Corrosion Behavior of Aluminium 6061 Alloy Through ECAP Processing

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Researchers from the University of Jember conducted a study to evaluate the effect of equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) processing on the hardness, optical morphology, and corrosion behavior of Al-6061 alloy. The study aimed to understand how ECAP processing affects the microstructure and corrosion resistance of the alloy. The researchers used various techniques, including hardness testing, optical microscopy, and corrosion testing to evaluate the effects of ECAP processing on the alloy's properties.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that ECAP processing increased the hardness of Al-6061 alloy from 48.60 HB (0-pass) to 110.8 HB (4-passes).
  • The ECAP processing caused a significant reduction in corrosion rate, from 0.6263 mmpy (as-annealed sample) to 0.1508 mmpy (4-passes sample).
  • The study revealed that the corrosion resistance of Al-6061 alloy samples improved due to the existence of ECAP processing.
  • The morphological observation of Al-6061 samples showed that grain refinement due to ECAP processing improved corrosion resistance.
  • The study concluded that ECAP processing is an effective method for improving the hardness and corrosion behavior of Al-6061 alloy.

Statistics:

  • The hardness of Al-6061 alloy increased by 125.5% after ECAP processing (110.8 HB vs 48.60 HB).
  • The corrosion rate of Al-6061 alloy decreased by 76% after ECAP processing (0.1508 mmpy vs 0.6263 mmpy).
  • The study used four different pass numbers in ECAP processing: one, two, three, and four.
  • The researchers obtained significant results after four ECAP passes, with further improvement possible with additional passes.

Sources:

  • Rekayasa Mesin, University of Brawijaya, "Improved Hardness And Corrosion Behaviour of Aluminium 6061 Alloy Through Ecap Processing," 2025, 16(2): 753-765.
  • Journal of Engineering, NewsRx LLC, "Reports from University of Jember Add New Data to Research in Mechanical Engineering and Machinery (Improved Hardness And Corrosion Behaviour of Aluminium 6061 Alloy Through Ecap Processing)," 2025, p 2879.