Effect of pre-deformation on age-hardening behaviors in an Al-Mg-Cu alloy

The effects of 3%-50% pre-deformation following solution heat treatment on the age hardening of an Al-3Mg1Cu alloy have been investigated by Vickers microhardness measurement, tensile tests, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Pre-deformation has a strong effect on subsequent age-hardening behavior. The precipitation was accelerated, hardness peaks appeared earlier, formation of clusters was inhibited, and a larger fraction of precipitates was observed along the dislocation lines. The contribution of the precipitates to the hardness was evaluated by dissolution tests. It was found that pre-deformation followed by artificial aging resulted in a good strength-elongation balance. The results are significant for the development of combined mechanical deformation and heat treatment processes.

Automated summary

Pre-deformation has a strong impact on the subsequent age-hardening behavior of the Al-3Mg1Cu alloy, accelerates precipitation, enhances hardness peaks, inhibits cluster formation, and increases the amount of precipitates along dislocation lines. This study's findings are important for the advancement of combined mechanical deformation and heat treatment processes.