Impact of homogenization on microchemistry and recrystallization of the Al–Fe–Mn alloy AA 8006

The evolution of microstructure during homogenization and subsequent rolling and back-annealing is studied for the Al–Fe–Mn alloy AA 8006. Samples were produced with three different homogenization practices aimed at providing different states of microchemistry, i.e. solutes and second-phase particles. The microstructural changes during homogenization, cold rolling and back-annealing were tracked by a combined experimental and simulation-based approach so as to understand the underlying mechanisms that control the recrystallization behaviour of the alloy.