Microstructural characteristics and tensile properties of nano-composite Al 2014/4Â wt.% Al2O3 produced from machining chips

Fine Al 2014 powder reinforced with Al2O3 nano-particles was produced by milling the large strained machining chips. Powder was extruded and subsequently solution treated and aged. Microstructure evolution during different stages of deformation was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The average grain size of the 48 h milled Al 2014 powder was calculated as 26 nm. After hot extrusion the grain size was 85 nm. In addition, the dislocation character and density of the material and their evolution during processes were studied. The yield strength of the nano-composite Al 2014/4 wt.% Al2O3 was 405 MPa which is almost 100 MPa higher than a conventionally T6 heat treated material. Fracture behavior of the produced material is also discussed.