Effect of Different Strain-Path Cold Rolling on Mechanical Properties, Microstructures and Texture Evolution in Aluminum–Copper–Lithium (AA 8090) Alloy

Mechanical properties, microstructures, and texture evolution of an aluminum–copper–lithium alloy (AA 8090) were investigated through distinct strain path cold rolling techniques: unidirectional cold rolling (CP-I) and a four-step cold rolling approach that combines both unidirectional and reverse-directional rolling (CP-II). CP-I method enhanced deformation orientations (S, R, and Bs), whereas CP-II weakened the Bs \(\left(110\right)[1 \overline{1 } 2]\) $\left(110\right)[1\overline{1}2]$ orientation, particularly during intermediate cold rolling (60–75%). CP-II-solution-treated-aged samples exhibited yield strengths approximately twice that of solution-treated. Yield strengths across all tested directions (0°, 45°, and 90° to RD) were around 450 Mpa, and elongations were enhanced to 8% in CP-II (75% cold rolling) processed samples post-aging. Elongations were lower in CP-I process compared to CP-II. Cold rolling by 60% to 75% through second cold rolling path (CP-II) prior to solution treatment and aging resulted in decreasing the strength of Bs orientation, thereby reducing its anisotropy.