Several Al-based alloys were prepared using equal-channel angular pressing. Their sub-microcrystalline structure was stabilized by the addition of small amount of Sc + Zr.
The paper compares high-temperature deformation characteristics of these alloys, especially their potential to exhibit superplastic behaviour. The strain rate sensitivity parameter m and ductility were determined as a function of deformation temperature and strain rate.
The deformation behaviour was correlated with the microstructure development. The atom force microscopy was used to verify the operating deformation mechanism.