Effect of the deformation path on the ductility of a hypoeutectic Al–Si casting alloy subjected to equal-channel angular pressing by routes A, BA, BC and C

An Al–7%Si casting alloy has been subjected to equal-channel angular pressing up to eight passes by routes A, BA, BC and C. Microstructural and mechanical characterization by tensile testing was performed. No significant differences in tensile strength were found between the processed samples. However, there are strong differences in ductility, which are attributed to the dependence of the fracture propagation path on the processing route due to different geometric redistribution of the eutectic constituent.The authors acknowledge financial support from CICYT under programs MAT2003/01172 and MAT2006/11202.Peer reviewe