Abstract: The present invention incorporates at least one thermoplastic or elastomeric polymer in abrasive flow machining media either as the sole or as one of the polymeric constituents. The presence of thermoplastic polymer imparts a greater elastomer characteristic (elasticity, compression resistance, increased relaxation times) as contrasted with traditional media. Enhanced elastomeric characteristics enable more uniform abrasive machining. In a particularly preferred embodiment, silicone- or polyorganosiloxane-based medium contains elastic silicone rubber particles dispersed therethrough to achieve increased relaxation times comparable to those attainable with the inclusion of a thermoplastic polymer.

Abstract: The present invention incorporates at least one thermoplastic or elastomeric polymer in abrasive flow machining media either as the sole or as one of the polymeric constituents. The presence of thermoplastic polymer imparts a greater elastomer characteristic (elasticity, compression resistance, increased relaxation times) as contrasted with traditional media. Enhanced elastomeric characteristics enable more uniform abrasive machining. In a particularly preferred embodiment, silicone- or polyorganosiloxane-based medium contains elastic silicone rubber particles dispersed therethrough to achieve increased relaxation times comparable to those attainable with the inclusion of a thermoplastic polymer.

Abstract: A method is described for producing homogeneous wrought microstructure during equal channel angular extrusion of difficult-to-work high temperature alloys that exhibit a high degree of flow softening at hot-working temperatures, wherein flow non-uniformities are minimized by imparting an increment of initial upset deformation to an alloy immediately preceding shear flow through the deformation zone.