Abstract
To investigate the influence of refined grains on the microstructure of 7075 aluminum alloy in semi-solid state, a new strain induced melting activation (SIMA) method was put forward containing two main stages: pre-deformation with equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) method and isothermally holding in the semi-solid temperature range. The breaking up and growth mechanisms of the grains and kinetics of equiaxed grains coarsening during the semi-solid holding were investigated. The results showed that the average grain size after ECAP extrusion decreased significantly, e.g., microstructure with average globular diameter less than 5μm was achieved after four-pass ECAP extrusion. Obvious grain coarsening had been found during isothermal holding in the semi-solid state and the roundness of the grains increased with the increasing holding time. The proper microstructure of 66.8μm in diameter and 1.22 in shape factor was obtained under proper soaking condition (at 590°C for 15 min). Two coarsening mechanisms, namely, coalescence in lower liquid fraction and Ostwald ripening in higher liquid fraction contributed to the grain growth process.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
