Evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties during annealing of cold-rolled AA8011 alloy

The evolution of recrystallized microstructure of cold-rolled aluminium alloy AA8011 is investigated with the help of optical metallography, orientation imaging microscopy (OIM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), electrical resistivity and microhardness measurements at different annealing conditions. Tensile testing of the isochronally annealed specimens is performed to examine the effect of annealing temperature and microstructure on mechanical properties. Precipitates affect the grain growth behaviour and texture evolution. Normal grain growth takes place prior to abnormal grain growth. A wide range of grain size distribution and a combination of cube, rolling and random texture is observed at complete recrystallized condition. Our results provide not only new insight into aluminium packaging materials (i.e., foils, cans, and air conditioning ducts) but also a platform to better understand the recrystallization of a wide range of related alloys.