Enhanced Strengthening in Ultrafine-Grained Al–Mg–Si Alloys Produced via ECAP with Parallel Channels†

This paper investigates a dynamic aging effect induced by severe plastic deformation (SPD) and subsequent artificial aging on structure and mechanical properties of aluminum Al–Mg–Si alloys. Application of optimal processing parameters of SPD via equal-channel angular pressing with parallel channels and subsequent artificial aging ensures simultaneous enhancement of strength and ductility in the processed alloys. Ultrafine-grained microstructures with strengthening metastable β′ and β″ precipitates generated during SPD processing and subsequent artificial aging provide enhanced strength due to significant grain boundary hardening and precipitation hardening.