Influence of Deformation Process by ECAE on Structure and Properties of AZ61 Alloy
Abstract The structure and properties of AZ61 alloy after deformation by ECAE were characterised. Alloy structure was examined after the successive passes of ECAE process, to study the effect of deformation on the morphology of γ phase precipitates and the size and shape of grains. Based on EBSD analysis, the occurrence of high angle boundaries was stated. An attempt was made to describe the mechanisms that are operating when the deformation route is changed at 300°C in the AZ61 alloy processed by ECAE method. Alloy hardness after the first cycle of deformation was stabilised at the level of 80-90 HB. Based on the hardening curve and the occurrence of high angle grain boundaries (>15°), the possibility of further deformation of the AZ61 alloy was confirmed.