Effect of plastic deformation conditions on microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties of Al 6063 alloy

The effect of plastic deformation on mechanical and ageing characteristics of Al-Mg-Si alloy (Al 6063 alloy) subjected to cryogenic and room temperature rolling was investigated by employing hardness measurements, tensile tests, XRD analysis, EBSD and TEM characterizations. The severe strain induced during plastic deformation of Al 6063 alloy produces ultrafine microstructures with improved strength and hardness. The ageing treatment of the severely deformed At 6063 alloy has improved its strength and ductility significantly due to the precipitation hardening and grain coarsening mechanisms, respectively. The mechanical properties of cryorolled and room temperature rolled Al 6063 alloy were compared. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.