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. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT IMPACT STATEMENT Links between the microstructure, sample’s size and nano/microscale plasticity of solute-strengthening Al alloys were made via pillar compression testing. Deformation mechanism at nano/microscale was quantitatively explored