Deformation, decomposition and hardening behavior of nano Al7075 alloy prepared by mechanical milling and hot pressing

•Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy with different crystallite sizes is produced by mechanical milling.•High temperature consolidation results in minor grain coarsening.•Crystallite size and lattice parameter were determined by XRD line profile analysis.•Microhardness of the alloy shows break down of Hall–Petch relationship.

Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy with different crystallite size is prepared by mechanical milling and high temperature consolidation. X-ray line profile analysis and HRTEM image show high temperature consolidation results in insignificant grain coarsening. Microhardness of the alloy as a function of crystallite size shows break down of Hall–Petch relationship.

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