Continuous dynamic recrystallization in an Al–Li–Mg–Sc alloy during equal-channel angular extrusion

An Al–Li–Mg–Sc alloy with an initial grain size of ∼60 μm was processed by equal-channel angular extrusion (ECAE) at 300 °C up to a total strain of 12. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and orientation imaging microscopy (OIM) were employed to establish the mechanism of grain refinement. It was found that new ultrafine grains evolved by a strain-induced continuous process, which is termed continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX). At ɛ ∼...