Evolution of the structure and properties of pure aluminum under severe plastic deformation

Abstract

The influence of severe plastic deformation (SPD) by equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) on the formation of the structure and the mechanical properties of pure aluminum is studied. It is established that an ultrafine-grained structure is formed with an average size of structural elements of ∼ 1.5 µm. X-ray diffraction studies have shown that SPD results in a broadening of interference lines with a decrease in their intensity, which indicates an increase in the imperfection of the structure and its high dispersion. SPD also results in a significant enhancement of microhardness, yield stress and ultimate tensile strength in aluminum.