Achieving an Optimal Balance of Strength and Elongation in AA 1050 Aluminum Alloy via Equal Channel Angular Pressing, Intermediate Annealing, and Post-Rolling

The present paper has focused on improving strength and elongation of AA 1050 alloy via equal channel angular pressing (ECAP), intermediate annealing and post-rolling process. At the first and second ECAP passes, the ideal shear texture component has been developed while by proceeding ECAP passes (n = 3, 4), the intensity of texture component has been weakened. In the following, as a result of intermediate annealing at 150 °C, cube texture component ({001}<110>) was developed in the alloy. Then during post-rolling process, the prior texture component disappeared and the augmentation of copper-type texture component ({110}<112>) has been observed. The first and second ECAP passes lead to increase in ultimate tensile strength at the expense of considerable decrease in elongation and work hardening capacity. However, during third and fourth ECAP passes, the homogenous microstructure with fine equiaxed grain is achieved, also intermediate annealing at 150 and 225 °C and 50-75% rolling reduction attributed to high angle grain boundaries (HAGBs) promotion. Eventually, an appropriate balance of strength, elongation and work hardening capacity of AA 1050 alloy is obtained via ECAP (n = 3, 4), intermediate annealing (T = 150, 225 °C) and post-rolling (r = 50-75%).