Effect of extrusion parameters on the microstructure and properties of an Al-Li-Mg-Zr alloy

Abstract

The effect of the extrusion temperature and the extrusion ratio on the microstructure and mechanical properties of an Al-Li-Mg-Zr alloy in the as-extruded, solution-treated and aged conditions were investigated. It was found that an increase in the extrusion temperature and ratio increased the degree of recrystallization in the extrudate. An increase in the extrusion temperature also increased the sub-grain size, whereas the extrusion ratio did not affect the sub-grain size. The strength of the extrudates decreased and the ductility increased in the asextruded condition with increases in the extrusion temperature and the extrusion ratio.