Joint effect of electromagnetic casting and high-pressure torsion on the structure and hardening of Al3.3Cu2.5Mn0.5Zr (wt%) alloy

Abstract

The experimental heat resistant alloy Al-3.3Cu-2.5Mn-0.5Zr (wt%) has been manufactured using the method of electromagnetic casting (EMC) followed the high-pressure torsion (HPT) treatment. The HPT-deformation leads to the formation of nano- and submicrocrystalline structures in aluminum alloy with increased dislocation density. The predominant size range of crystallites was 80–250 nm. A change in the structure of aluminum alloy as a result of HPT leads to a multiple increase in microhardness which is about 2-time higher comparing with cold rolled strip (220 vrs. 120 HV). Annealing of the HPT-processed aluminum alloy up to 250 °C doesn’t decrease the microhardness but after annealing at higher temperatures significant softening takes place.