A characterization of microstructure and microhardness on longitudinal planes of an Al–Mg–Si alloy processed by ECAP

Vevecka, Aferdita, Cabibbo, Marcello and Langdon, Terence G. (2013) A characterization of microstructure and microhardness on longitudinal planes of an Al–Mg–Si alloy processed by ECAP. Materials Characterization, 84, 126-133. (doi:10.1016/j.matchar.2013.07.016).

Abstract

An AA6005 Al–Mg–Si alloy was used to investigate the evolution of microhardness and microstructure on the longitudinal or Z planes after processing by ECAP where these planes lie parallel to the upper and lower surfaces of the billet. The processing was conducted at a temperature of 423 K using an ECAP die with a channel angle of 90°. Samples were pressed for up to 8 passes and observations were undertaken on the top and bottom planes and on a parallel plane located at approximately the center of the billet. The results show that the grain size is reduced from ~ 50 ?m in the initial condition to ~ 200 nm after 8 passes with similar grain sizes recorded on all three planes of observation. Measurements of the microhardness show the values increase by a little more than two times after 8 passes. The results from this investigation demonstrate that excellent microstructural homogeneity may be achieved throughout the Al–Mg–Si billet after processing through a total of 8 passes.

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Contributors

Author: Terence G. Langdon

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