Processing map and hot deformation behavior of squeeze cast 6082 aluminum alloy

The hot deformation behavior and microstructure evolution of 6082 aluminum alloy fabricated through squeeze casting (SC) under different pressures were studied. The alloy was subjected to hot compression tests and 3D hot processing maps were established. The microstructure evolution was studied by optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD). It is found that more dynamic recrystallization (DRX) grains are generated during the deformation of the specimen fabricated under higher SC pressure. At high temperature the effect of SC pressure on microstructure evolution weakens due to the dissolution of second phase particles. In addition, uneven second phase particles in specimens fabricated under higher SC pressure compressed with low temperature and middle strain rate would result in flow localization instability. Finally, the optimum deformation conditions for the 6082 aluminum alloy fabricated by SC were obtained at the temperatures of 430−500 °C and the strain rates of 0.01−1 s−1.