Effect of Equal-Channel Angular Pressing and Subsequent Aging on the Structure and Mechanical Properties of Al–Mg2Si Alloys with Transition Metal Additions

The effect of equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) at 150°C and subsequent aging on the structure and strength characteristics of Al–Mg2Si alloys with scandium and joint (Sc + Zr) and (Sc + Hf) additions is studied. Hardness and electrical resistivity curves demonstrate the decomposition of the supersaturated solid solution in the alloys with (Sc + Zr) and (Sc + Hf) additions is found to be same, and the optimum aging conditions of the alloys are obtained. The microstructure of the alloys and precipitation of secondary phases are studied in detail using scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM, respectively). The alloys subjected to ECAP and aging demonstrate an increase in the strength and the plasticity due to compensation of aging processes by recovery processes related to restructuring a dislocation structure.