On the mechanical behavior of a cryomilled Al–Ti–Cu alloy

The mechanical behavior of a cryomilled Al10Ti2Cu that was later extruded was investigated in compression. The data obtained show that the strength of the extruded alloy parallel to the extrusion axis is higher than that normal to the axis. Also, a comparison between the compression behavior of the alloy and its tensile behavior reveals that there is a small asymmetry of yield strength with respect to deformation mode. Examination of the microstructure of the cryomilled alloy by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicates the presence of two phases: approximately 90% nanostructured Al(Cu) phase containing a dispersion of Al3Ti and 10% coarse-grained Al(Cu) phase. TEM observations indicate that as a result of the extrusion process, the larger (softer) grains of the Al(Cu) phase experience severe deformation, resulting in the development of mechanical fibering. It is suggested that the presence of coarse-grained Al(Cu) ‘islands’ in the matrix of the nanostructured phase and their change during extrusion into elongated bands may be responsible for the anisotropy of the mechanical properties of the extruded cryomilled Al10Ti2Cu.