The effect of deformation degree on the microstructure of the 6060 aluminium alloy

Purpose: All results obtained in the present study allowed to analyse the changes in the microstructure and texture of the commercial 6060 aluminium alloy, after deformation process by severe plastic deformation. There were compare two deformation degree samples received by cumulative hydrostatic extrusion. Design/methodology/approach: The samples of the 6060 alloy were subjected to a onepass and three-passes extrusion process and next the age hardening. The microstructure changes were investigated by using transmission and scanning electron microscopy. To study the texture evolution the X-ray diffraction were made. Findings: The microscopic observations results presented the refinement of microstructure as a result of deformation process. The evolution of fibrous character of texture was observed. There were noted the disappearance of fibrous component <100> during subsequent deformation processes and generation the fibrous component <111> after high deformation degree. In addition, for each state, the presence of cubic texture component was recorded. Research limitations/implications: For the future research are planned to analyse changes in mechanical properties after hydrostatic extrusion combinate with age hardening of investigated materials. Originality/value: The paper focuses on the investigation of microstructure and texture evolution after modern method of plastic deformation.