Strain-induced microstructural and precipitation behavior of Al-Mg-Si-Mn alloys: Effects of Si content under controlled thermomechanical conditions

Lypchanskyi O, Rigas N, Rogal Ł, Rybakowski JK, Litynska-Dobrzynska L, Korpała G, Lampke T, Merklein M, Prahl U (2026)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

Journal of Materials Science & Technology Elsevier

DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2026.01.016

Abstract

This study investigates the microstructural evolution of Al-Mg-Si-Mn alloys, focusing on the influence of Si content on mechanical properties, deformation mechanisms, and precipitate evolution during high-temperature tensile testing. Tensile tests were performed at 200, 250, 300, and 350 °C with strain rates of 0.1, 1, and 10 %/s, showing significant variations in mechanical response as a function of Si content. Microstructural characterization was performed using electron backscatter diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, and a transmission electron microscope to analyze deformation mechanisms, precipitate evolution, and texture formation. The results show a progressive decrease in tensile strength and yield strength with increasing deformation temperature, with the most pronounced reduction occurring at 350 °C in alloys with higher Si content. This increased Si level promotes the strengthening of the Copper texture while progressively suppressing the Cube texture during deformation at elevated temperatures. At 200 °C, deformation bands are formed primarily by interaction with dislocations, while precipitates drive deformation band formation by effectively impeding dislocation motion. Resolved shear stress analysis indicates a direct influence on the initiation and progression of discontinuous dynamic recrystallization (DDRX), with higher Si levels promoting more pronounced DDRX. Deformation at elevated temperatures of 300 and 350 °C enhances dynamic recrystallization and accelerates continuous dynamic recrystallization, leading to increased grain boundary formation and a reduction in deformation band density. Furthermore, the evolution of β′, B′, and U1 phases at 300 °C and 0.1 %/s strain rate highlights the heterogeneous nucleation and growth mechanisms of precipitates. These results underscore the critical role of Si content in controlling the mechanical response and microstructural evolution of Al-Mg-Si-Mn alloys, providing valuable insights for optimizing alloy design and performance at elevated temperatures.

Authors with CRIS profile

Nikolaos Rigas Institute of Manufacturing Technology (LFT) Marion Merklein Institute of Manufacturing Technology (LFT)

Involved external institutions

Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg DE Germany (DE) Poznan University of Medical Sciences / Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Karola Marcinkowskiego w Poznaniu PL Poland (PL) Technische Universität Chemnitz DE Germany (DE) Polska Akademia Nauk (PAN) / Polish Academy of Sciences PL Poland (PL)

How to cite

APA:

Lypchanskyi, O., Rigas, N., Rogal, Ł., Rybakowski, J.K., Litynska-Dobrzynska, L., Korpała, G.,... Prahl, U. (2026). Strain-induced microstructural and precipitation behavior of Al-Mg-Si-Mn alloys: Effects of Si content under controlled thermomechanical conditions. Journal of Materials Science & Technology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmst.2026.01.016

MLA:

Lypchanskyi, Oleksandr, et al. "Strain-induced microstructural and precipitation behavior of Al-Mg-Si-Mn alloys: Effects of Si content under controlled thermomechanical conditions." Journal of Materials Science & Technology (2026).

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