High-temperature deformation and structural restoration of a nanostructured Al alloy

Abstract

We studied the flow stress and microstructural changes of nanostructured Al-6063 alloy produced by mechanical alloying at various temperatures and strain rates. The analysis of flow curves was performed by a constitutive equation, and the stress exponent and activation energy were determined as functions of strain. The deformation mechanisms were elaborated through microstructural observations by electron backscattering diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Coarsening of the subgrains and grain growth upon deformation was monitored and related to the Zener-Hollomon parameter. (C) 2012 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.