AbstractTo investigate the mechanical properties of a binary Al–2·8Li alloy at high strain rates in as received (solution treated) and aged conditions, quasistatic and dynamic torsion tests were carried out. With increasing strain rate, the strength and ductility of the as received alloy increased and a change of the fracture mode from intergranular to transgranular was also observed. However, in the aged alloy, the intergranular fracture mode was predominant at both quasistatic and dynamic rates. At the grain boundary offsets on the fracture surface of the aged alloy, a large number of very fine dimples were observed. This evidence suggests that a ductile precipitate free zone may be present there.MST/1043