Microstructure, texture and mechanical properties of pure copper processed by ECAP and subsequent cold rolling

In the present work, pure copper was subjected to equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) followed by cold rolling (CR). Then, combined effects of ECAP and CR on the microstructure and texture variations as well as on the mechanical properties were investigated. CR to ECAP process not only lessened the grain size but also decreased the heterogeneity of grain distribution throughout the workpiece. Consequently, both the strength and ductility improved significantly. Grain refinement and internal stress augmentation contributed mainly to the strength enhancement, while an increase in the microstrain enhanced the ductility of workpiece. After rolling, the texture of ECAPed specimen changed into the typical rolling texture with a minor effect of simple shear texture.