Severe plastic deformation processing of Al–Cu–Li alloy for enhancing strength while maintaining ductility

An Al–Cu–Li alloy has been processed by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) to compare the influence of strain rate and processing temperature, together with subsequent annealing treatment, on the strength and ductility of the alloy. High strength with reasonable ductility can be found under conditions where fine precipitates enhance strength but also delay strain localization and fracture.