Microscopic study regarding the microstructure evolution of the 8006 alloy in the plastic deformation process

The paper shows the microstructure evolution of the 8006 alloy during the plastic deformation in order to obtain sheets and foils of different thickness without defects. The chemical composition of the alloy was 1.2-2.0% Fe, 0.3-1.0% Mn, and balance Al. The studies were realized by quantitative and electron microscopy on a microscope BUEHLER OMNIMET EXPRESS with 4.0 program, electron microscope XL 30 ESEM with EDAX and also on JXA 50A JEOL Electron Probe Micro-analyzer. The results put in evidence the influence of the AlFeMn and AlFeMnSi phase dimensions on forming of the compound series in sheets. The experiments also put in evidence the fracture of the foils as a result of the brittleness of the iron compounds, manganese, and silicon content present in the structure of the 8006 aluminium alloys. Homogeneity experiments on the slabs before plastic deformation were also realized and were compared the sheet and foil defects before and after plastic deformation. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.