Effects of non-isothermal annealing on microstructure and mechanical properties of severely deformed 2024 aluminum alloy

Microstructure and mechanical properties of AA2024 after severe plastic deformation (SPD) and non-isothermal annealing were investigated. The non-isothermal treatment was carried out on the severely deformed AA2024, and the interaction between restoration and precipitation phenomena was investigated. Differential scanning calorimetry, hardness and shear punch tests illustrate that static recovery and dissolution of GPB zones/Cu–Mg co-clusters occur concurrently through non-isothermal annealing. Scanning electron microscope and electron backscatter diffraction illustrate that non-isothermal annealing of deformed AA2024 up to 250 °C promotes the particle-free regions and also particle stimulated nucleation. Results show that through heating with the rate of 10 °C/min up to 250 °C, the ultimate shear strength and the hardness are maximum due to the presence of S'/S phases which have been detected during non-isothermal differential scanning calorimetry experiment. Also, recrystallization phenomenon occurs in temperature range which includes the dissolution of S'/S phases. The concurrent recrystallization and dissolution of S'/S phase at 380 °C have been verified by differential scanning calorimetry, mechanical properties, and optical microscope.