The effect of homogenization on the recrystallization of an Al-Mn-Mg alloy sheet

The present study examines the effect of homogenization of the roll-cast material on the microstructure and ductility of an Al-Mn-Mg alloy sheet. The phenomenon of recrystallization and the effect of precipitation and second phase particles have been investigated in cold rolled sheets by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), electrical conductivity measurement and image analysis. It appears that recrystallization characteristics in different homogenization conditions are important parameters that control the grain sizes and consequently the ductility of the homogenized sheets. It is believed that homogenization promotes normal discontinuous recrystallization and subsequent grain coarsening mainly due to the elimination of precipitation interaction and the coarsening of the second phase particles. C 2005 Springer Science + Business Media, Inc.