Effect of second phase particles on grain refinement during equal-channel angular pressing of an Al–Mg–Mn alloy

The process of grain refinement under severe plastic deformation was examined in an Al–5.4% Mg–0.5% Mn–0.1% Zr alloy, which was subjected to equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) in the strain interval from 1 to 12 at a temperature of ∼300 °C. It was shown that the size and distribution of the second phase particles precipitated under homogenization annealing strongly affect grain refinement. Extensive grain refinement under ECAP was provided by a dispersion of Al6Mn particles with an average size of ∼25 nm that precipitated during the homogenization annealing at an intermediate temperature. The fully recrystallized structure with an average crystallite size of ∼0.55 μm evolves through continuous dynamic recrystallization. In contrast, homogenization annealing at a high temperature leads to the formation of coarse Al6Mn particles with a plate-like shape. Under further ECAP, the formation of coarse recrystallized grains takes place in this material due to the discontinuous growth of recrystallized grains during the inter-pass annealing between the ECAP passes. The role of second phases in grain refinement is discussed in terms of pinning and driving forces for recrystallization.