Effect of equal channel angular pressing on the microstructure of a semisolid aluminum alloy

The microstructure evolution during semisolid equal channel angular pressing and semisolid isothermal heating of a cast A356 aluminum alloy is reported. It is demonstrated that partially melted dendritic cast structure undergoes substantial plastic deformation during semisolid equal channel angular pressing. Coarsening of the fragmented dendritic microstructure during subsequent semisolid isothermal heating gives rise to spheroidal solid phase surrounded by liquid metal.