An initial report on achieving high comprehensive performance in an Al-Mg-Si alloy via novel thermomechanical processing

A novel thermomechanical processing that significantly augments the tensile mechanical strength of an Al-Mg-Si alloy while maintaining excellent tensile ductility is reported. Our thermomechanical processing involved solution treatment followed by low-temperature hold and asymmetric rolling with thickness reduction of 5-10%, and speed ratios between 1.1 and 1.5. The resultant strength and ductility is striking: the tensile strength levels were similar to or higher than the T6 and T8 tempers, while the tensile ductility was similar to that of the T3 temper. The mechanism of the novel thermomechanical processing is thought to be the result of solute clusters, dislocation substructures, and textural microstructural influences.