On properties at interfaces of friction welded near-nanostructured Al 5083 alloys

Abstract

Equal-channel angular pressing is a material processing method that allows very high strains to be imposed, which leads to extreme work hardening and micro-structural refinement, with minimal change of external sample dimensions. It offers possibilities of good mechanical properties, such as high strength and ductility, while allowing flexibility of choice of alloy composition for better corrosion behavior, lower materials costs, and so on. This study characterizes for the first time the microstructure and properties of aluminum friction welded after severe plastic deformation via the equal-channel angular pressing method. In this study, 5,083 aluminum alloys, which were exposed to severe plastic deformation using square cross-sectional equal-channel angular pressing die, were joined with friction welding method. It was found that tensile and fatigue strengths of severe plastic deformed and welded specimens were higher than those of the purchased specimens. Hardness values were also consistent with the strength results. However, the refining of grain size as shown from microstructures results in a significant increase in hardness and mechanical properties.