Elevated Temperature Deformation Behavior of High Strength Al-Cu-Mg-Ag Based Alloy Reinforced by TiB₂ Particles

TiB2 has been known as an outstanding reinforcement particle in aluminum matrix composite due to its excellent properties compared to other particulate reinforcements. There has been intensive effort undertaken recently in development of Al-TiB2 composites, however no literature appears to be available on the application of TiB2 reinforcement in very high strength wrought Al-Cu-Mg-Ag alloys. In this study, the elevated temperature deformation behavior of TiB2 reinforced Al-Cu-Mg-Ag alloy is investigated. Microstructural observation prior to deformation process shown fine equiaxed grain with TiB2 particle distributed homogeneously along the grain boundaries and occasionally in the interior of the grains. Uniaxial compression testing was conducted to understand the thermo-mechanical behavior of this material at elevated temperature. The flow behavior during hot deformation processing of Al-Cu-Mg-Ag-TiB2 composites was analyzed. Emphasis is given on the description of dynamic recrystallization by means of electron back scattered diffraction. © 2014 The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society.