The effect of chemical patterning induced by cyclic plasticity on the formation of precipitates during aging of an Al–Mg–Si alloy

Room temperature cyclic deformation of solution treated AA6061 led to the development of a high number density of Mg/Si clusters. The fine dispersion of clusters resulted in a strength comparable to that obtained using the T6 condition. Subsequent heat-treatment has the potential to further increase the strength of the alloy. Slow heating from room temperature to 177 °C allowed the clusters to catalyse the creation of a very high number density …