An Investigation of Age-Hardenable Aluminum 2020 Alloy Processed by Elliptical Cross-Section Spiral Equal-Channel Angular Extrusion

Subject Areas :

Mostafa Balali ^{1 *}

1 - Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran

Received: 2025-10-13 Accepted : 2025-12-03 Published : 2025-12-05

Keywords: Severe Plastic Deformation, Elliptical Cross-Section Spiral Equal Channel Extrusion, Microstructure, Mechanical Properties,

Abstract :

Severe Plastic Deformation (SPD) techniques are gaining increasing importance for fabricating metallic alloys with ultrafine-grained (UFG) microstructures. Among these, the Elliptical Cross-Section Spiral Equal-Channel Angular Extrusion (ECSEE) process is an emerging method that offers several advantages over conventional SPD techniques, including a more uniform strain distribution and reduced material waste. This study presents a comparative analysis of the microstructure and mechanical properties of an aluminum 2020 alloy processed via ECSEE and conventional Equal-Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP). In addition to SPD processing, the alloys underwent a series of heat treatments, including annealing, solution treatment, and aging, according to a specified schedule. The results indicate that the alloy subjected to a combined regime of solution treatment, ECSEE processing, and aging exhibited a 134% increase in strength and a 64% increase in hardness. Conversely, this processing route resulted in a significant reduction in both impact energy and ductility.

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