Microstructure versus size: nano/microscale deformation of solute-strengthening Al alloys via pillar compression tests

Abstract

Effect of solutes, crystal orientation, sample’s size, and dislocation density on the nano/microscale deformation of solute-strengthening Al alloys has been investigated via pillar compression tests. The Mg-solute-strengthening pillar with dislocation density of 1012 m−2 shows size- and orientation-dependent strength, while the strength of Si-Mg-solute-strengthening pillar with dislocation density of 1013 m−2 is size- and orientation- independent. With increasing the dislocation density, the strength of pillars increased and become size-independent.

Keywords

• Solutes strengthening
• dislocation
• compression test
• mechanical properties