Effect of ECAP and Subsequent Annealing on Microstructure, Texture, and Microhardness of an AA6060 Aluminum Alloy

AA6060 aluminum alloy was subjected to severe plastic deformation through equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) up 8 passes via route BC. ECAPed samples isochronally annealed for 1 hour at a temperature range of 150-450 °C. The microstructure and texture the studied material were evaluated by electron backscatter diffraction, microhardness characterized Vickers testing. It found that shearing is typically enhanced after ECAP processing. Grain size grain growth kinetics also studied. led substantial rise in hardness, with stability following 4 passes. Microstructures properties relatively stable annealing temperatures 150 Some sub-micrometer grains kept sample 300 Annealing elevated resulted reduction hardness leading decrease dislocation density. After 450 °C, index reveals tendency weakening randomization. activation energy required exceptionally low above