The influence of processing route on the plastic deformation of Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloys

A fine-grained microstructure of Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloys was produced by several processing routes — by thermomechanical treatment of conventionally cast ingots, by modern powder metallurgy, and by severe plastic deformation in equal channel angular pressing. The plastic deformation of these materials was investigated in a temperature range between 523 and 773 K and the deformation characteristics were correlated with the results of microstructure investigation. The grain size and its stability at elevated temperatures were found to play the decisive role in the deformation behaviour of the alloys studied.