Search

To improve the hot working stability of Al–0.5Mg–0.4Si–0.1Cu alloy, isothermal compression tests were performed at the temperature range of 350–500 °C and strain rate of 0.001–10 s−1. Strain-compensated Arrhenius constitutive equation containing Zener–Hollomon parameters was established to describe the hot deformation behavior. Its accuracy was evaluated within the whole strain range and the established constitutive equation can well predict the flow behavior. In addition, intrinsic machinability was further analyzed by constructing processing maps under different true strains based on dynamic material models. Microstructures are in fine agreement with processing maps and flow instability occurred mainly in high strain rate regions due to the presence of adiabatic shear bands and flow localization. Dynamic softening mechanism of the alloy mainly stems from dynamic recovery and partial dynamic recrystallization. Based on processing maps and microstructure observations, optimal process parameters of alloy were obtained, which are beneficial to optimize its hot working parameters.

Al-0.5Mg-0.4Si-0.1Cu alloy possessing weather resistance and oxidation resistance can obtain good surface quality (metallic luster) without chrome plating. Therefore, it is an important material to replace polluting chrome-plated aluminum profiles for automotive decorative parts. At present, studies about the extrusion process of Al-0.5Mg-0.4Si-0.1Cu alloy are very few, which affects its further application. In this work, the effect of extrusion ratios on microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-0.5Mg-0.4Si-0.1Cu alloy is investigated by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and tensile tests. The results showed that the dynamic recrystallization degree of the alloy gradually increased with the extrusion ratio increasing, which is attributed to the driving force provided by the large extrusion ratio. Meanwhile, due to the occurrence of dynamic recrystallization, the texture changed from to orientation. In addition, grains were obviously refined and uniform with the extrusion ratio increasing. Due to the fine grain strengthening mechanism, the tensile strength and elongation of the alloy with an extrusion ratio of 30 reached 152 MPa and 32.4%.