Effect of Fine Grain on Mechanical Properties of A6N01 Alloy

Abstract

The good formability and corrosion resistance of 6N01 Al alloy allow it to be utilized in high-speed train systems, and weight reduction of railway vehicles is possible by improving the strength of this alloy. This study examined the effect of the fine-grained structure on the mechanical properties of the alloy formed by a combination of heat treatment and severe plastic deformation such as forging and rolling. The role of the fine-grained structure in determining the plastic formability was also investigated. The 0.2% proof stress and tensile strength of the heat-treated and multi-axial alternative forging (MAF) processed materials were both greater than 300 MPa. Subsequent cold rolling of these alloys increased both the 0.2% proof stress and tensile strength to over 450 MPa with a grain size of less than 1 μm. The fine-grained structure was confirmed to be effective in improving the strength of the 6N01 Al alloy.