Improvement of strength–ductility balance of Al–Ca–Mn–Fe alloy by severe plastic deformation

Abstract

The as-cast Al–Ca–Mn–Fe alloy was processed by the high-pressure torsion (HPT) technique. HPT of the samples 20 mm in diameter was carried out at room temperature through 3 revolutions. HPT resulted in the formation of a predominantly nano-grain structure and almost complete disappearance of eutectic particles in the structure. As a result of HPT, a 5-fold increase in strength and a 1.5-fold increase in the relative elongation of the alloy were achieved. The relationship between the achieved complex of mechanical properties and microstructure features is discussed.