Microstructure, Texture, and Formability Control by Initial Hot‐Rolling Temperature of Al–Mg–Si Alloy Sheets for Automotive Applications

The effect of initial hot‐rolling temperature on microstructure, texture, and formability of Al–Mg–Si alloy sheets is investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and tensile test. The results indicate that the textures of the sheet after hot‐rolling comprise most of Copper {112}<111>, Brass {011}<211>, and S {123}<634>. Initial rolling temperature affects the particles distribution before solution treatment, thereby further influencing the recrystallized microstructure and texture after T4P treatment. After T4P treatment, Cube {001}<100> component is the main grain orientation in the sheet with an initial rolling temperature of 530 °C. While Cube ND {001}<310> orientation forms after other three initial rolling temperatures (450, 500, and 555 °C). However, the grain orientation distribution is more dispersed with an initial rolling temperature of 555 °C. Within the initial rolling temperature range from 530 to 555 °C, the average plastic strain ratio r value of the sheet is relatively higher. The anisotropy Δ r value at an initial rolling temperature of 555 °C is the closest to zero. Therefore, the initial rolling temperature of 555 °C is the most conducive to improving the formability of the alloy sheet.