DRECE forming method as a way to improve metals and alloys for advanced structural and functional application

Abstract

The creation of UFG (ultra-fine grain) materials is a new and promising way to improve metals and alloys for advanced structural and functional application. To date, it is common knowledge that UFG materials can be successfully produced by intense plastic deformation. Severe plastic deformation (SPD) is one of the most effective techniques to improve the physical and mechanical properties of metallic materials through structural refining for UFG and nano-crystalline (NC) states. One of the approaches that has been the subject of basic and applied research for two decades is the preparation of materials with UFG structure with a grain size below 1000 nm. Such materials will find use primarily where they use stress, while preserving the required plasticity, it will be due to the reduction of the weight of the structure, which will also contribute to the preservation of its safety (steel is used in the automotive industry, steel for engineering, of non-ferrous alloys in the aerospace industry), or high strength and hardness in combination with biocompatibility ensures greater life of the products (titanium implants, etc.). Some ultra-fine-grained steels are already introduced in mass production, while the expected properties are achieved by methods of plastic deformation. These materials include, for example, DC01 and DC03, which will be analyzed in the following article after several passes through the DRECE method. The DRECE forming process is based on extrusion technology with zero change in crosssection dimensions with the ultimate goal of achieving a high degree of deformation in the formed material. With the help of severe plastic deformation of the material, a substantial refinement of the structure of the material is achieved. The following article will deal mainly with the influence of the DRECE forming speed on the hardness and microstructure of the material of the sheet metal blank for DC01 and DC03 steel.