Hot Extrusion of Nanostructured Al Alloy Powder: Extrusion Ratio and Temperature Effect on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties

A nanostructured aluminium alloy powder, prepared by rapid solidification via gas atomization, was consolidated into bulk material under various processing conditions via hot extrusion. The microstructure modifications and mechanical properties of the consolidated alloys as a function of the extrusion conditions were investigated. The increase in the extrusion-load with the increase of extrusion-rate and decrease of temperature are shown and discussed in association with the modification in the microstructures. The differences in mechanical properties measured by compressive tests are also discussed in association with the extrusion parameters. Furthermore, suggestions are given for rationalising the extrusion ratio and temperature conditions for the consolidation of nanostructured aluminium alloy powders via hot extrusion.