Effect of Multidirectional Forging on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of the Al–Mg–Mn–Cr Alloy

The effect of multidirectional forging on the grain structure and parameters of secondary-phase particles in the Al–4.8Mg–1.2Mn–0.1Cr alloy has been investigated using the methods of the scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The multidirectional forging performed at a temperature of 350°C to a cumulative strain of 10.5 has resulted in a 1.5 decrease in average particle sizes of the manganese-bearing phases of crystallization origin and dispersoids and in the formation of a structure with a mean grain size of 1.7 µm. Multidirectional forging included in a sheet processing, in contrast to hot rolling, forms an equiaxed grain structure with a grain size of about 6 µm in recrystallized sheets and with enhanced strength characteristics.