Microstructural Analysis of Nanostructured Aluminum Alloy Strips Created from Machining Based Deformation Process

Abstract

Aim of present research endeavour is to fabricate nanostructured strips of aluminium alloy by a machining based deformation process. Aluminium 6061 was used as a test material. Furthermore, X-Ray diffraction (XRD) is used for deformation analysis of strips to check the level of deformation along their thickness. Microhardness testing was done using Vickers microhardness testing machine. Microstructure characterization of bulk aluminium and chips (as strips) was done by electron back scatter diffraction (EBSD). For in-depth deformation analysis thickness of strips was reduced in steps up to 100 μm by abrasive papers. After each step of reducing thickness of strips by 100 μm, X- ray scan and microhardness testing of strips were performed. The results show that microstrain in strips was increased and crystallite size was decreased. Moreover, hardness of the strips was ∼ 40-44% more than the bulk material. Higher hardness in strips may be attributed to their ultrafine microstructure resulted from high deformation observed in strips. Furthermore, variation in deformation level along the thickness of sheets was also observed.Aim of present research endeavour is to fabricate nanostructured strips of aluminium alloy by a machining based deformation process. Aluminium 6061 was used as a test material. Furthermore, X-Ray diffraction (XRD) is used for deformation analysis of strips to check the level of deformation along their thickness. Microhardness testing was done using Vickers microhardness testing machine. Microstructure characterization of bulk aluminium and chips (as strips) was done by electron back scatter diffraction (EBSD). For in-depth deformation analysis thickness of strips was reduced in steps up to 100 μm by abrasive papers. After each step of reducing thickness of strips by 100 μm, X- ray scan and microhardness testing of strips were performed. The results show that microstrain in strips was increased and crystallite size was decreased. Moreover, hardness of the strips was ∼ 40-44% more than the bulk material. Higher hardness in strips may be attributed to their ultrafine microstructure resulted from high deformation observed in strips. Furthermore, variation in deformation level along the thickness of sheets was also observed.