Dynamic ageing and the mechanical response of Al-Mg-Si alloy through equal channel angular pressing

In this paper, dynamic ageing characteristics associated with the application of equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) to Al6061 alloy at elevated temperatures was investigated. Followed by ECAP, Vickers microhardness measurement on the cross-sectional planes and microstructural observations were undertaken using transmission electron microscopy. The combination of the ECAP process with dynamic ageing at both 100 degrees C and 150 degrees C resulted in a significant increase in hardness. The grain size was measured as similar to 160 nm after four passes. A comparison with the published data on the same alloy processed by ECAP at room temperature and statically aged, suggests several advantages in incorporating dynamic ageing with ECAP. These advantages consist of the ability to attain better grain refinement, increased hardness and the potential for saving time and energy. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.