Dependence of the mechanical properties of an α/β brass on the microstructural features induced by hot extrusion

The strength and ductility properties of the α/β brasses can be conditioned through the control of the temperature of hot extrusion. The main mechanical features have been determined and their variations have been discussed on the basis of changes produced in the α/β microstructure and on the basis of the textures in the two phases identified through scanning electron microscopy–electron backscatter diffraction analysis. The great increase observed in the ductility properties of the brass can be associated with the transformation textures induced by Nishiyama–Wasserman and Kurdjumov–Sachs relations starting from the textures existing in the parent β-phase.