Enhancement of Microstructural, Mechanical, and Tribological Properties of AA5083 Alloy via Multi-axial Forging

Abstract

The present study investigates the influence of multi-axial forging (MAF) on the microstructure, mechanical, and wear properties of the AA5083 alloy. After solution treatment, the alloy was subjected to three MAF cycles at room temperature with a strain of 0.63 per cycle. The evolution of the microstructure was analyzed using optical microscopy, field emission gun scanning electron microscopy, and x-ray diffraction. Mechanical properties were evaluated through tensile testing, and Vicker’s micro-hardness and wear behavior of the alloys were investigated using reciprocating wear tests. The results demonstrated significant improvement in properties after the third MAF cycle, forming 8.3 ?m wide shear bands and a refined grain structure. The alloy achieved maximum hardness (130 HV), tensile strength (334 MPa), and elongation to failure (8.01%), along with a reduced strain-hardening exponent (0.27). Wear resistance showed marked enhancement, with wear volume reductions of 36%, 49%, and 21% under 1, 2, and 4 N loads, respectively. Similarly, wear rates decreased by 64%, 49%, and 15% under the same loads. These findings emphasize the MAF process's effectiveness in enhancing the mechanical and wear properties of AA5083 alloy, indicating its potential for advanced material processing techniques. © ASM International 2025.