The Effect of Isothermal Multi-Directional Forging on the Grain Structure, Superplasticity, and Mechanical Properties of the Conventional Al–Mg-Based Alloy

Abstract

The current study observed a grain structure evolution in the central part and periphery of the sample of an Al–Mg–Mn-based alloy during isothermal multidirectional forging (IMF) at 350 °C with a cumulative strain of 2.1–6.3 and a strain per pass of 0.7. A bimodal grain size distribution with areas of fine and coarse grains was observed after IMF and subsequent annealing. The grain structure, mechanical properties, and superplastic behavior of the samples subjected to IMF with a cumulative strain of 6.3 and the samples exposed to IMF with subsequent cold rolling were compared to the samples exposed to a simple thermo-mechanical treatment. The micro-shear bands were formed inside original grains after the first three passes. The fraction of recrystallized grains increased and the mean size decreased with an increasing cumulative strain from 2.1 to 6.3. Significant improvements of mechanical properties and superplasticity were observed due to the formation of a homogenous fine grain structure 4.8 µm in size after treatment including IMF and subsequent cold rolling.