Effect of Mg addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of aluminum

The effect of Mg addition on the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of high-purity aluminum was studied over a wide range of strain, up to ∼8. The high strains were achieved by applying the equal-channel angular pressing technique. The stress–strain relationship was related to the evolution of the microstructure investigated by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction peak profile analysis. In the early stages of plastic deformation the interaction between the dislocations and the Mg solute atoms results in an increase of the flow stress with temperature. The stable microstructure is developed at higher strains owing to the Mg addition resulting in the saturation of the proof stress at higher strains in Al–Mg alloys.