Effect of Al3Sc precipitates on the work hardening behavior of aluminum–scandium alloys

Abstract

The effect of Al3Sc on the flow stress behavior of aluminum–scandium alloy was experimentally verified. The experimental specimens were prepared by quenching to obtain solid solution and then aged to produce Al3Sc phase. One commercial pure aluminum specimen was included for comparison purpose. A specially designed wedge shape was rolled to obtain mechanical deformation up to 75%. Deformation mechanism was studied by the hardness technique. Upon deformation pure aluminum had shown work hardening whereas the aluminum–scandium alloy showed two distinct modes of deformation. At deformations up to 5%, dislocation motion extended across precipitates, hence strain hardening was revealed by flow stress. High deformations mode i.e. beyond 10% was completely controlled by precipitates; this is reflected by the constant value of flow stress.