Microstructure evolution and strengthening mechanisms of cold-drawn commercially pure aluminum wire

The tensile strength of cold-drawn commercially pure aluminum wire shows an obvious three-stage characteristic, including the first strengthening stage, steady stage and second strengthening stage, with increasing extrusion strain. The dislocation density, intensity of 〈111〉 texture and percentage of high-angle grain boundaries are apparently increased in the second strengthening stage. Consequently, the final strengthening mechanisms may be well explained by the existence of the high-density dislocation, the 〈111〉 texture and high-angle grain boundary.