Enhanced mechanical properties in an Al-Mg-Cu alloy processed by the combination of cyclic deformation and aging heat treatment

Aging is a traditional strengthening method used for heat-treatable Al alloys. Cyclic strengthening has recently received widespread attention as a novel method for alloy strengthening. This study applied cyclic deformation to introduce dislocations and promote cluster formation in an Al-Mg-Cu alloy. Cyclically-strengthened (CS) samples have higher strength and ductility than peak-aged samples. The aging behaviors of the CS samples and the effect of pre-aging (artificial aging prior to cyclic deformation) on cyclic strengthening were also studied. Recovery and precipitation promotion were found during the aging of the CS samples regardless of pre-aging for 20 min. The pre-aged CS samples show higher strength than the CS samples without pre-aging. Interestingly, after subsequent aging, the mechanical properties of the CS samples with and without 20 min of pre-aging became the same. In summary, aging and cyclic deformation methods were combined to maximize the effects of precipitation strengthening and work-hardening. The strength limit obtained by individual aging or cyclic deformation methods was successfully overcome. This study provides new insights into alloy strengthening. [Display omitted] •Cyclically-strengthened sample had better strength and ductility than the peak-aged sample.•Cyclic deformation promotes precipitation and leads to cluster formation.•Pre-aged samples can be cyclically strengthened due to work-hardening effects.•Enhanced mechanical properties were obtained by combining cyclic deformation and aging.