Influence of high-pressure torsion on microstructural evolution in an Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy

A commercial age-hardenable Al-7136 alloy was successfully processed by high-pressure torsion (HPT) at room temperature through 1/8 to 4 turns. Microhardness measurements showed significant hardening even after 1/8 turn with the average hardness value reaching a maximum after 1 turn and then slowly decreasing. Higher hardness values were attained by processing the alloy through one pass of equal-channel angular pressing in a supersaturated condition at room temperature and then applying HPT for 1 or 2 turns. Microstructural observations revealed the possibility of achieving true nanometer grain sizes of <100 nm after processing at room temperature. There were variations in hardness with imposed strain due to the fragmentation and subsequent growth of precipitates during processing.     

High-pressure homogenization treatment of Al–Zn–Mg–Cu aluminum alloy

Absract The microstructures and aging hardening response of Al–12Zn–3.5Mg–3.0Cu–0.14Zr aluminum alloy after a high-pressure homogenization treatment at 750 °C for 45 min under 5 GPa were investigated. The results showed that the constituent phases dissolved completely and formed α-Al single-phase solid solution comparable to that formed after ambient-pressure homogenization at 450 °C/96 h + 460 °C/128 h. The complete dissolution of the constituent phases increased the solubility of the alloying elements, as well with the over-burning temperature and aging hardness.     

Investigation of mechanical properties of advanced Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy

Abstract

The mechanical properties of the rapidly solidified 7000 series powder alloy CW 67 were investigated for various extrusion and heat treatment conditions. The principal aim of the work was to ascertain the optimum processing route for peak aged (T6) material. The highest proof stress in the T6 condition was found to be 572 MN m^?2 for material extruded at 325°C and aged for 13·5 h at 120°C after solutionising. The ductility of this material was found to be 13·5%. The fracture toughness was measured in two orientations and found to be approximately 21 MN m^?3/2 in the short transverse direction and 44 MN m^?3/2 in the longitudinal direction. Degassing and hot compaction was found to improve the fracture toughness of the material substantially.

MST/1504     

Microstructural evolution of Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy during homogenization

In this study, the microstructural evolution of an as-cast Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy (AA7085) during various homogenization schemes is investigated. It is found that in a single-stage homogenization scheme, some of the primary eutectic gets transformed into the Al₂CuMg phase at 400 °C, and the primary eutectic and Al₂Cu phase gradually dissolve into the alloy matrix at 450 °C. The Al₃Zr particles are mainly precipitated at the center of the grain because Zr is peritectic. However, the homogeneous distribution of the Al₃Zr particles improves and the fraction of Al₃Zr particles increases in two-stage homogenization scheme. At the first low-temperature (e.g., 400 °C) stage, the Al₃Zr particles are homogeneously precipitated at the center of the grain by homogeneous nucleation and may be heterogeneously nucleated on the residual second-phase particles at the grain boundary regions. At the second elevated-temperature (e.g., 470 °C) stage, the Al₃Zr nuclei become larger. A suitable two-stage homogenization scheme for the present 7085-type Al alloy is 400 °C/12 h + 470 °C/12 h.     

Lowering the temperature for high strain rate superplasticity in an Al–Mg–Zn–Cu alloy via cooled friction stir processing

An Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy was friction stir processed over two kinds of backing anvils, at two different cooling rates. A finer grain size, 0.3 vs 0.5 μm, was obtained by processing at the highest cooling rate. Both materials showed superplastic behavior with a maximum elongation to fracture of about 510%. Grain boundary sliding was the operative deformation mechanism. Furthermore, the finer grain size material showed high strain rate superplasticity, at 10⁻² s⁻¹, at lower temperatures, as low as 250 °C.     

Influence of retrogression and re-aging treatment on corrosion behaviour of an Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy

Influence of retrogression and re-aging treatment on the microstructure, strength, exfoliation corrosion, inter-granular corrosion and stress corrosion cracking of an Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy has been investigated by means of optical microscope (OM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results show that retrogression and re-aging treatment can increase the size and the distribution discontinuity of the grain boundary precipitates, and lead to the increase of the corrosion resistance without the loss of strength and ductility. In addition, the analysis of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy shows that retrogression and re-aging treatment can enhance the resistance to exfoliation corrosion.     

Mechanism of grain refinement of an Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy prepared by low-frequency electromagnetic casting

Low-frequency electromagnetic casting (LFEC) process had been developed and is being used for the past several years with the application of an induction coil placed outside the conventional direct chill (DC) casting mould. It has been demonstrated that the LFEC process has a significant grain refining effect on aluminium alloys. In the present study, temperature measurement and direct quenching from liquid and/or semi-solid were carried out to study the temperature field during casting process and to understand the mechanism of the grain-refining effect of the LFEC process. The experimental results showed that in contrast to the conventional DC casting process, the liquid melt from the launder, during the LFEC process, is cooled with very high cooling rate directly to 3–6 °C below the liquidus, and the temperature field of the entire melt in the mould, and the hot top is quite uniform, which results in the enhanced heterogeneous nucleation and improved survival rate of the nuclei. This is believed to be the main reason why the LFEC process can significantly refine the grain size of aluminium alloys.     

Significantly enhanced the ductility of the fine-grained Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy by strain-induced precipitation

A fine-grained structure of Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy was produced by a successive two-step deformation (STD) process based on strain-induced precipitation (SIP). The fine-grained alloy treated by the STD process exhibited significantly superior tensile ductility than the conventional hot-deformed (CHD) alloy. Effects of the STD process on microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated, in conjunction with fracture characterizations. Numerous spherical precipitates and dense dislocations were induced by the SIP at 300 °C. A fine lamellar structure was formed during subsequent heating and hot deformation of the STD process, finally contributing to the fine-grained T6-aged alloy. Due to the fine-grained structure, more dimples in the fracture surface of the STD treated alloy were produced than those of the CHD treated alloy. TEM in-situ testified that the grain boundary precipitates (GBPs) originated the initiation of micro-cracks, and the cracks propagated along the (sub)grain boundaries during the tensile loading. The initiation and propagation of micro-cracks were explained in terms of grain boundary precipitates (GBPs), precipitation free zones, and grain refinement. Although initiation and propagation of the cracks easily occur to coarse GBPs and grain boundaries, the fine-grained structure obtained by the STD treatment could effectively delay these behaviors and improve mechanical properties.     

Microstructure and tensile properties of squeeze cast Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy

Abstract

It is well known that wrought aluminium alloys have tensile properties superior to those of the cast products. Wrought grade alloys cannot usually be produced by conventional casting processes to attain the same level of tensile properties. However, progress in casting methods in recent years has made it possible to produce wrought alloys by means of squeeze casting techniques. In the present study an Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy has been produced by squeeze casting. Tensile properties close to those of wrought products have been achieved by controlling the microstructure, pressure, and other processing parameters.     

Investigation of quench sensitivity of high strength Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloys by time–temperature-properties diagrams

The quench sensitivity of some typical high strength Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloys, including 7075, 7175, 7050, 7010, 7055, 7085 and 1933, was investigated by time–temperature-properties (TTP) diagrams which were from the present paper and literature. The drop in the mechanical properties due to decreased quenching rate was predicted by quench factor analysis method. The nose temperature of TTP diagrams was the highest for 7055 alloy and the lowest for 7085 alloy. The critical time at the nose temperature was the shortest for 7055 alloy and the longest for 1933 alloy. Decreased quenching rate to 10 k/s led to drop in the properties less than 2% for 7085 and 1933 alloys, but more than 20% for 7075, 7175 and 7055 alloy. Thus, 7075, 7175 and 7055 alloys were the most quench sensitive alloys, while 7085 and 1933 alloys were the least quench sensitive ones. The differences in the quench sensitivity of these alloys were explained mainly based on its chemical compositions.     

Low-cyclic fatigue behaviour of an Al–Cu–Mg–Ag alloy under T6 and T840 conditions

The low-cyclic fatigue (LCF) behaviour of an AA2139 alloy belonging to the Al–Cu–Mg–Ag system was investigated under T6 and T840 conditions. The T840 treatment involves cold rolling with a 40% reduction prior to ageing, and this was effective in increasing the tensile strength of the alloy. Under cyclic loading at total strain amplitudes (ε_ac) of ±0.4 to ±1.0%, the mechanical behaviour is defined as the prevalence of elastic over plastic deformation processes under both the T6/T840 conditions. The initial weak hardening during one to two cycles of loading at ε_ac?>?0.55% and an insignificant softening upon following the cyclic loading to fracture was observed for the T6/T840 conditions. The LCF behaviour of the alloy under the T6/T840 conditions is described by the Basquin–Manson–Coffin relationship.

This paper is part of a Themed Issue on Aluminium-based materials: processing, microstructure, properties, and recycling.     

Investigation of mechanical and corrosion properties of an Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy under various ageing conditions and interface analysis of η′ precipitate

The mechanical and corrosion properties under various ageing treatment conditions were investigated in an Al–6.0Zn–2.3Mg–1.8Cu–0.1Zr (wt.%) alloy. The results showed that the retrogression and re-ageing (RRA) were capable of providing higher strength and improved corrosion resistance in comparison with the conventional T6 and T74 ageing. The optimised ageing process had been found to be 120 °C/24 h + 180 °C/60 min + 120 °C/24 h for the experimental alloy. The results obtained from the high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) interface analysis revealed that a semi-coherent stress field between the η′ precipitate and the Al matrix was critical in controlling the strength of the Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy heat-treated under different conditions. Furthermore, Transition Matrix calculation showed that the η′ phases had only two zone axes: [1̅21̅3]_η′ and [108̅2̅3]_η′, which were parallel to the [112]_Al zone axis, when being precipitated from the Al matrix. Therefore, the orientation relationships between the η′ precipitates and the Al matrix under the [112]_Al zone axis could be described as: [1̅21̅3]_η′//[112]_Al;(12̅12)_η′//(11̅)_Al and [108̅2̅3]_η′//[112]_Al;(12̅12)_η′//(111̅)_Al. Consequently, a new diffraction pattern model from η′ precipitates in two variants under the [112]_Al zone axis had been established, which was in a good agreement with the experimental data.     

Study on quenching sensitivity of an Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy containing trace amounts of Sc and Zr

The quenching sensitivity of an Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy containing trace amounts of Sc and Zr is studied by interrupted quenching experiments. Electrical conductivity of the quenched samples and the hardness of the samples subjected to one-stage and two-stage aging, are measured to construct the time–temperature–transformation (TTT) curves and the time–temperature–property (TTP) curves. It is revealed that the quenching sensitivity of the alloy is mainly influenced by the precipitation of coarse η phases during slow quenching, which preferentially nucleate and grow at grain boundaries and at the Al₃(Sc, Zr) dispersoids that are incoherent with the matrix. The quenching sensitivity increases with the size and quantity of the coarse η phases. The nose temperature is 290 °C for both TTT and TTP curves, where the phase transformation rate is the fastest and the quenching sensitivity is the highest. Compared to one-stage aged samples, two-stage aged samples exhibit lower quench sensitivity due to the reduced transformation rate from η′ phases to η phases after slow quenching. The quenching sensitive temperatures range from 206 to 358 °C for the one-stage aged samples and from 213 to 352 °C for the two-stage aged samples. Moreover, based on the simulated TTT and continuous cooling transformation curves, an optimized quenching process is proposed in the present work.

     

Effect of Zn addition on two-step aging behaviour of Al–Mg–Si–Cu alloy

This study investigates the effect of Zn addition two-step behaviour in an Al–Mg–Si–Cu alloy. During pre-aging at 100°C for 3?h, the Zn can partition into clusters because of the strong Zn–Mg interaction, prompting the formation of clusters. During subsequent artificial aging at 180°C for up to 240?min (peak hardness condition), the Zn does not significantly partition into clusters or precipitates, and the majority of Zn remains in the Al matrix. However, the presence of Zn in the matrix stimulates the transformation from clusters to GP zones to β′′ phases. The enhanced formation of GP zones and β′′ phases correlates well with the remarkable age-hardening response.     

The HREM study of precipitates in an Al−Zn−Mg alloy

A study of precipitate phases in an Al–Zn–Mg alloy in the T74 condition has been conducted by means of high resolution electron microscopy. It has been observed that G.P. zones, and phases exist simultaneously in the matrix. The G.P. zones are plate-like forming on (111) matrix plane. The phase has a hexagonal structure witha=0.496 nm,c=1.403 nm and the orientation relationship with the matrix is . A new orientation relationship between the phase and the matrix is found to be .     

An approach for the aging process optimization of Al–Zn–Mg–Cu series alloys

A new model based on least square support vector machines (LSSVM) and capable of forecasting mechanical and electrical properties of Al–Zn–Mg–Cu series alloys has been proposed for the first time. Data mining and artificial intelligence techniques of aluminum alloys are used to examine the forecasting capability of the model. In order to improve predictive accuracy and generalization ability of LSSVM model, a grid algorithm and cross-validation technique has been adopted to determine the optimal hyper-parameters of LSSVM automatically. The forecasting performance of the LSSVM model and the artificial neural network (ANN) has been compared with the experimental values. The result shows that the LSSVM model provides slightly better capability of generalized prediction compared to back propagation network (BPN) in combination with the gradient descent training algorithm. Considering its advantages of the computation speed, unique optimal solution, and generalization performance, the LSSVM model is therefore considered to be used as an alternative powerful modeling tool for the aging process optimization of aluminum alloys. Furthermore, a novel methodology hybridizing nondominated sorting-based multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) and LSSVM has been proposed to make tradeoffs between the mechanical and electrical properties. A desirable nondominated solution set has been obtained and reported.     

DSC and TEM characterizations of thermal stability of an Al–Cu–Mg–Ag alloy

Assessment of long-term stability of an aluminium alloy exposed to elevated temperatures is important in the design of lightweight aerospace structures. The manner in which differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are used together in monitoring microstructural evolution, and thereby assess phase stabilities in an Al–5.1Cu–0.8 Mg–0.5 Ag–0.7 Mn–0.13 Zr (wt%) alloy, are described. DSC thermograms of the alloy, spanning room temperature to 400°C, revealed the presence of two endotherms and an exotherm. TEM investigation has identified these thermal events to be associated with , S, and precipitates. Quantitative TEM was used to measure diameter, thickness, number density, and volume fraction of the precipitates in the alloy exposed at 135°C for times as long as 3000 h. The quantitative TEM results are correlated with the DSC signatures relating to precipitation, dissolution, and coarsening reactions affecting the , S, and precipitates in the exposed alloy.     

Characterisation of interfaces in Al–Zn–Mg alloy reinforced with Sicabo fibres

Abstract

The microstructure of a metal matrix composite consisting of an Al–Zn–Mg alloy reinforced with SiC coated boron fibres has been examined by electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis, and by optical microscopy. Considerable amounts of Mg₂Si phase were found to be segregated at the fibre/matrix interface. This intermetallic was not formed by a reaction between the fibre and matrix during the fabrication process, a liquid infiltration technique, but as a result of silicon impurities present as contaminants in the melt. It was concluded that the interface phase was precipitated from the metal matrix in the later stages of solidification without any nucleation role being played by the fibre. The Mg₂Si phase appears to be brittle and was present in amounts likely to have a deleterious effect on the strength of the composite.

MST/871