Microstructural, Mechanical, and Crystallographic Texture Modification of Fire-Refined Copper Processed by Angular Channel Extrusion

This study investigates the microstructural, mechanical, and crystallographic texture evolution of Fire-refined copper (FRHC) processed by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP). The material was subjected up to four ECAP passes at room temperature, using the BC B C route and constant deformation speed. Characterization techniques included optical microscopy (OM), x-ray diffraction (XRD) for phase and texture analysis, and Vickers microhardness testing. The results revealed a significant improvement in strength after four ECAP passes, accompanied by a marked increase in hardness, reaching 112 HV in the final stage—despite a slight reduction after the second pass. Crystallographic texture evolved progressively throughout the deformation sequence, with a predominance of Goss and Rotated Cube components.