Microstructure evolution and grain refinement in asymmetrically rolled aluminium

Aluminium alloy sheets were asymmetrically rolled and annealed. Asymmetric rolling was applied by imposing different velocity ratios between the top and bottom rolls, from 1 to 1.5. After cold rolling, the microstructures of various samples were analysed by electron back scatter diffraction, whereas the mechanical properties were characterized by stress–strain curves and microhardness measurements. The asymmetrical rolling process was examined as an alternative method to obtain fine- or even ultrafine-grained aluminium. The main purpose of this paper is to describe, qualitatively and quantitatively, the influence of asymmetrical rolling on microstructure evolution. Grain size, misorientation, image quality factor and other parameters were characterized and analysed in some detail. In the present study, a unique approach has been used for the first time to examine the possibility of applying the asymmetric rolling process in the preparation of materials with controlled heterogeneity.