Producing ultrafine-grained aluminum rods by cyclic forward-backward extrusion: Study the microstructures and mechanical properties

A cyclic forward-backward extrusion (CFBE) process was used as a severe plastic deformation (SPD) technique to produce ultrafine-grained aluminum rods. Yield strength and tensile strength of the specimens increased by increasing the number of CFBE cycles, while elongation to break decreased due to an increase in the grain refinement and microhardness. According to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) results, the average grain size was reduced from 120 μm to 315 nm after only 3 cycles of CFBE.

► Cyclic forward-backward extrusion (CFBE) produced ultrafine-grained aluminum rods. ► Mechanical tests showed a significant increase in strength and hardness. ► Average grain size was reduced from 120 μm to 315 nm after only 3 cycles of CFBE.