Structure and properties of AlMg alloy after combination of ECAP and post-ECAP ageing

Equal channel angular pressing technique (ECAP) was used before and after solution heat treatment to obtain grain refinement and strengthening of commercial Al–Mg casting alloys. The experiments were performed to investigate the strengthening effect of the alloy after various post-ECAP ageing treatments. The alloys were severely deformed at room temperature following route Bc and die channel angle of 120°. It was found that heat treatment before and after ECAP significantly affect and improves mechanical properties of aluminium alloys. It was also proven that the severe plastic deformation causes grain refinement which directly influence on properties of AlMg alloys. An increase of strength and ductility was achieved by appropriate selection of post-ECAP ageing. It is also proven that the good strengthening effect is also achieved at temperatures lower than those usually used for ageing. Based on the findings above, the tensile properties and hardness of Al–Mg alloys are discussed.