Solute-enhanced tensile ductility of ultrafine-grained Al–Zn alloy fabricated by friction stir processing

The pronounced beneficial effect of the addition of Zn on the tensile strength and ductility of ultrafine-grained aluminum alloy prepared by friction stir processing is investigated. Experimental evidence suggests that increasing the Zn content from 0 to 15 wt.% can effectively enhance tensile elongation from 10 to >30% as a result of increased work hardening rate in the initial tensile stage and the effect of numerous fine slip bands.