The influence of combined hydrostatic extrusion and rolling on the microstructure, texture and mechanical properties of Al-Li alloys

Abstract

The paper describes influence of the combined techniques of severe plastic deformation on the microstructure, texture and mechanical properties of two Al – Li alloys. For some time, engineers have been trying to combine the deformation paths in an attempt to get a new microstructure, and hence different mechanical properties than when using only single process. This publication provides a description of a hydrostatic extrusion followed by a cold rolling process. The aim was to examine whether the combined methods can introduce a novel change in the microstructure or texture of Al - Li alloys. The microstructures observations have showed defected and disordered structure. Texture analysis has indicated that the fibrous texture can be easy replaced by a texture typical for rolled materials. Performing rolling after extrusion leads to further increase of mechanical properties determined by hardness and compressive strength.