Microstructure Evolution in Cast Al-Zn-Mg Alloys Processed by Equal Channel Angular Pressing

Abstract

In the present work, microstructure development and enhancement in the microhardness of Al-Zn-Mg alloys (with 5, 10, and 15% zinc) during equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) were investigated. Dendritic morphology was observed in the cast condition of all three alloys, and precipitates were situated along the inter-dendritic regions. After homogenization, precipitates in the inter-dendritic regions were uniformly distributed in the aluminum matrix and grain boundaries were developed. After 4 passes in route B<inf>C</inf>, large reduction in the grain size was observed. X-ray diffractometry showed that MgZn<inf>2</inf> precipitate was developed in the ECAP-processed samples. Increase in the intensity of MgZn<inf>2</inf> peaks was observed when the quantity of zinc is increased in the material. Also, changes in the intensity of XRD peaks were observed in ECAP-processed samples due to shear deformation. After ECAP, substantial increase in the microhardness was perceived. After four passes, microhardness increased to 109, 67, and 58% from the initial condition in A1, A2, and A3 alloys, respectively. Also, improvement in the microhardness was also observed when the quantity of zinc is increased in the material. © 2017, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature and ASM International.