Mechanical Properties of Equal Channel Angular Extruded Magnesium Boride (MgB2) Powder in Tubes (PITs)

Abstract

The MgB2 PITs, prepared by filling Fe tubes with MgB2 as a core, were processed through different number of passes at room temperature via Routes A, BA, C and BC. The mechanical properties of the PITs were measured in terms of density and hardness. The extent of the compaction was also studied through shear punch test. The shape of the compacts remains circular even after four passes via Route C & BC. Higher density and hardness along with higher USS is observed from the PITs of Route C compared to Route BC. The PITs processed through Route A and Route BA did not show sufficient compaction to carryout the density measurements. Thus, the current study shows that Route C is the optimal route; to attain good mechanical properties in ECAE processed MgB2 PITs with Fe tube.