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 BC, large reduction in the grain size was observed. X-ray diffractometry showed that MgZn2 precipitate was developed in the ECAP-processed samples. Increase in the intensity of MgZn2 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.