Microstructural evolution of new type Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy with Er and Zr additions during homogenization

A comprehensive study on the microstructural evolution of a new type Al–Zn–Mg–Cu–Er–Zr alloy during homogenization was conducted by optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The results show that serious segregation exists in as-cast alloy, and the primary phases are T(AlZnMgCu), S(Al₂CuMg) and Al₈Cu₄Er, which preferentially locate in the grain boundary regions. The soluble T(AlZnMgCu) and S(Al₂CuMg) phases dissolve into the matrix gradually during single-stage homogenized at 465 °C with prolonging holding time, but the residual Al₈Cu₄Er phase cannot dissolve completely. Compared with the single-stage homogenization, both a finer particle size and a higher volume fraction of L1₂-structured Al₃(Er, Zr) dispersoids can be obtained in the two-stage homogenization process. A suitable homogenization scheme for the present alloy is (400 °C, 10 h)+(465 °C, 24 h), which is consistent with the results of homogenization kinetic analysis.     

Natural and artificial aging response of semisolid metal processed Al–Si–Mg alloy A356

Abstract

International standards for aluminium alloys often permit significant fluctuations in the content of alloying elements. This allows metal suppliers more freedom in preparing these alloys. It is shown that the magnesium content of semisolid metal processed Al–Si–Mg alloy A356 has a significant influence on the natural and artificial aging behaviour of the alloy. Furthermore, natural aging before artificial aging causes the time to peak hardness (T6) to be longer compared to the time when only artificial aging is used. The optimum quality index in this study was obtained using a short solution heat treatment of 1 h at 540°C, no natural aging and artificial aging at 180°C for 1 h. An increase in the magnesium content of the alloy resulted in an increase in the quality index for all the T6 heat treatment cycles studied.     

Microstructural evolution of aluminum alloy 3003 during annealing

The microstrucmral evolution of cold-rolled aluminum alloy 3003 during annealing was investigated by means of micro-hardness measurement, electrical resistivity measurement, optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The interaction of recrystallization and precipitation of aluminum alloy 3003 was also discussed. The results show that the recrystallized grain size of cold-rolled aluminum alloy 3003 is strongly affected by precipitation during annealing, When precipitation occurs prior to recrystallization at low temperature（300 ℃）, the grain structure becomes coarse, and the precipitation process is affected by the presence of lattice defects, i.e. high cold reduction results in a large number of precipitates. When annealing at 500 ℃, however, for the recrystallization is prior to precipitation, the precipitation is independent of cold deformation reduction and a fine, equiaxed grain structure is obtained.     

Controlled semisolid microstructures and mechanical properties of Al–Mg–Si–Mn wrought alloy produced by D-SSF

Abstract

The semisolid microstructures and the mechanical properties of Al–1˙35Mg–1˙04Si–0˙67Mn alloy produced by deformation semisolid forming (D-SSF) process were studied. Fine α-Al₁₅Mn₃Si₂ compounds precipitate homogeneously during the homogenisation treatment. These compounds effectively inhibit the coarsening of recrystallised grains during heating to the semisolid temperature. When the liquid fraction is controlled to be ～23%, the complete die filling is not achieved. Therefore, in order to achieve good fluidity, it is necessary to control the liquid fraction to be more than 30%. The average grain size and the liquid fraction at the semisolid temperature influence directly mechanical properties. Therefore, the relationship among the average grain size, the liquid fraction at the semisolid temperature and mechanical properties was evaluated. Furthermore, the optimum semisolid microstructure was determined and the condition for the D-SSF process was established.     

Microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties of Al–Mg–Si alloy self-reacting friction stir welded joints

The 5?mm thick Al–Mg–Si alloy was self-reacting friction stir welded using the specially designed tool at a constant rotation speed of 400?rev?min^?1 with various welding speeds. Defect-free welds were successfully obtained with welding speeds ranging from 150 to 350?mm?min^?1, while pore defects were formed in the weld nugget zone (WNZ) at a welding speed of 450?mm?min^?1. Band patterns were observed at the advancing side of WNZ. Grain size and distribution of the precipitated phase in different regions of the joints varied depending on the welding speed. The hardness of the weld was obviously lower than that of the base metal, and the lowest hardness location was in the heat affected zone (HAZ). Results of transverse tensile tests indicated that the defective joint fractured in the WNZ with the lowest tensile strength, while the fracture location of the defect-free joints changed to the HAZ.     

Dry wear behavior of rheo-casting Al–16Si–4Cu–0.5Mg alloy

Dry wear behavior of the rheo-casting Al–16Si–4Cu–0.5Mg alloy was investigated by micro-scratch and dry sliding wear tests. Analyses of the microstructure, scratch grooves, wear tracks, worn surfaces and wear debris of the alloy were carried out by optical microscope and scanning electron microscope. The microstructural analysis showed that via rheo-processing, the primary Si was refined and rounded, eutectics dispersed more homogenously, and even the skeleton AlFeMnSi phase was fragmented into facet shape. Micro-scratch test showed that the microstructural refinement resulted in better wear resistance. Dry sliding wear test revealed that the rheo-processed sample exhibit obviously superior wear resistance because of the microstructure improvement. The dominant mechanism in mild wear condition is abrasion, but it turned to adhesion and oxidation in high applied load and fast sliding velocity conditions.     

Microstructural,mechanical, and electrical characterization of directionally solidified Al–Cu–Mg eutectic alloy

The composition of an Al–Cu–Mg ternary eutectic alloy was chosen to be Al–30 wt% Cu–6 wt % Mg to have the Al₂Cu and Al₂CuMg solid phases within an aluminum matrix (α-Al) after its solidification from the melt. The alloy Al–30 wt % Cu–6 wt % Mg was directionally solidified at a constant temperature gradient (G = 8.55 K/mm) with different growth rates V, from 9.43 to 173.3 μm/s, by using a Bridgman-type furnace. The lamellar eutectic spacings (λ_E) were measured from transverse sections of the samples. The functional dependencies of lamellar spacings λ_E (\({\lambda _{A{l_2}CuMg}}\) and \({\lambda _{A{l_2}Cu}}\) in μm), microhardness H _V (in kg/mm²), tensile strength σ_T (in MPa), and electrical resistivity ρ (in Ω m) on the growth rate V (in μm/s) were obtained as \({\lambda _{A{l_2}CuMg}} = 3.05{V^{ - 0.31}}\), \({\lambda _{A{l_2}Cu}} = 6.35{V^{ - 0.35}}\), \({H_V} = 308.3{\left( V \right)^{ - 0.33}}\); σ_T= 408.6(V)^0.14, and ρ = 28.82 × 10^–8(V)^0.11, respectively for the Al–Cu–Mg eutectic alloy. The bulk growth rates were determined as \(\lambda _{A{l_2}CuMg}^2V = 93.2\) and \(\lambda _{A{l_2}Cu}^2V = 195.76\) by using the measured values of \({\lambda _{A{l_2}CuMg}}\), \({\lambda _{A{l_2}Cu}}\) and V. A comparison of present results was also made with the previous similar experimental results.     

Quench sensitivity of Al–Cu–Mg alloy thick plate

The quench sensitivity of Al-Cu-Mg alloy was investigated at different thicknesses of the thick plate.The quenching process was simulated via finite element analysis (FEA);time-temperature-property (TTP) curves and time-temperature-transformation (TTT) curves were obtained through hardness test and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) test;and the microstructural observation was carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM)and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).Experimental results ex...     

Influence of temper condition on microstructure and mechanical properties of semisolid metal processed Al–Si–Mg alloy A356

Abstract

The microstructures and mechanical properties of strontium modified semisolid metal high pressure die cast A356 alloy are presented. The alloy A356-F (as cast) has a globular primary grain structure containing a fine eutectic. Solution treatment results in spheroidisation of the eutectic silicon particles under the T4 and T6 temper conditions. The A356-T5 maintains the fibrous silicon morphology after artificial aging. A356-T4 has better ductility and impact strength than A356-T5 due to its spheroidised silicon morphology. The impact properties of semisolid metal high pressure die cast A356 are controlled mainly by the silicon morphology and alloy strength (hardness), whereas tensile strength is determined by the degree of solid solution coupled with precipitate formation during aging.     

Constituents evolution of LFEC 7050 aluminum alloy during processing

The d 120 mm ingots of 7050 aluminum alloy were made by low frequency electromagnetic casting （LFEC） and conventional DC casting process, respectively. After homogenization treatment the ingots were extruded to rods and the solution and aging treatment were carried out for the rods. Constituents evolution during processing and effects of LFEC on constituents and remnant constituents were studied. The results show that 7050 aluminum alloy mainly contains Al-Zn-Mg-Cu type and Al-Cu-Fe type constituents. Al-Zn-Mg-Cu type constituents dissolve during homogenization, while Al-Cu-Fe type constituents could not dissolve. After homogenization treatment, the main remnant constituent is A17Cu2Fe which crushes and orients along the extrusion direction after extrusion. Compared with DC process, by the process of LFEC, the constituents or remnant constituents are smaller in size and less in content. The LFEC process shows significant improvement in elongation by LFEC in both as-cast state and final state.     

Constitutive behavior,microstructural evolution and processing map of extruded Al–1.1Mn–0.3Mg–0.25RE alloy during hot compression

Hot compression tests of an extruded Al–1.1Mn–0.3Mg–0.25RE alloy were performed on Gleeble–1500 system in the temperature range of 300–500 °C and strain rate range of 0.01–10 s^?1. The associated microstructural evolutions were studied by observation of optical and transmission electron microscopes. The results show that the peak stress level decreases with increasing deformation temperature and decreasing strain rate, which can be represented by a Zener–Hollomon parameter in the hyperbolic-sine equation with the hot deformation activation energy of 186.48 kJ/mol. The steady flow behavior results from dynamic recovery whereas flow softening is associated with dynamic recrystallization and dynamic transformation of constituent particles. The main constituent particles are enriched rare earth phases. Positive purifying effects on impurity elements of Fe and Si are shown in the Al–1.1Mn–0.3Mg–0.25RE alloy, which increases the workability at high temperature. Processing map was calculated and an optimum processing was determined with deformation temperature of 440–450 °C and strain rate of 0.01 s^?1.     

Microstructure evolution of Al–Sr master alloy during continuous extrusion

The microstructure evolution of Al–Sr master alloy during continuous extrusion was investigated using X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. Results indicate that the continuous extrusion process could change the Al₄Sr particles of the alloy significantly in size and morphology. The as-cast needle-like Al₄Sr particles are broken into small blocks in upsetting zone and crushed heavily in adhesion zone. Plenty of dislocations get tangled up in right-angle bending zone. Al₄Sr particles grow in the extending zone. Finally, Al₄Sr particles in products are approximately 28 μm in length. Al₂Sr particles precipitate during the process. Compared with products by horizontal extrusion, Al₄Sr particles by continuous extrusion are finer and distribute more evenly.     

Structure and nanomechanical characteristics of Al–Cu–Mg–Si alloy with partly liquated grain boundaries upon heat treatment

The microstructure, phase composition, and mechanical characteristics of the structural constituents of an Al–Cu–Mg–Si alloy in which the liquation of grain boundaries occurred during heat treatment have been studied. Bands of the (Al + Al₁₅(Fe, Mn)₃Si₂) eutectics have been observed at the grain boundaries. An algorithm for calculating the additional pressure, which results from mechanical impact on the metal containing these bands has been described.     

Effect of pre-straining on structure and formation mechanism of precipitates in Al–Mg–Si–Cu alloy

The effect of pre-straining on the structure and formation mechanism of precipitates in an Al–Mg–Si–Cu alloy was systematically investigated by atomic resolution high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM). Elongated and string-like precipitates are formed along the dislocations in the pre-strained Al–Mg–Si–Cu alloy. The precipitates formed along the dislocations exhibit three features: non-periodic atomic arrangement within the precipitate; Cu segregation occurring at the precipitate/α(Al) interface; different orientations presented in one individual precipitate. Four different formation mechanisms of these heterogeneous precipitates were proposed as follows: elongated precipitates are formed independently in the dislocation; string-like precipitates are formed directly along the dislocations; different precipitates encounter to form string-like precipitates; precipitates are connected by other phases or solute enrichment regions. These different formation mechanisms are responsible for forming different atomic structures and morphologies of precipitates.     

Refinement of primary Si in Cu–50Si alloys with novel Al–Zr–P master alloy

In this article, a novel Al-6Zr-2P master alloy with ZrP particles was successfully synthesized, and the refining performance of this novel master alloy for the primary Si in Cu-50Si alloys was also investigated. By means of the fracture plane observation, it is found that the ZrP phase would precipitate first in the solidification process, and then, the ZrAl 3 phase grows around them. Furthermore, it is observed that the refining effect can be remarkably improved by changing the addition sequence of the raw materials. After the melting of commercial Cu, the 2.0 wt% Al-6Zr-2P master alloy and crystalline Si were added in sequence, and the mean size of the primary Si in Cu-50Si alloy can be significantly refined from 255.7 to 75.3 lm. Meanwhile, the refining mechanism was discussed in detail.     

Effect of friction stir processing on fatigue behavior of an investment cast Al–7Si–0.6 Mg alloy

Cast aluminum alloys in general show poor fatigue performance due to the presence of defects. Friction stir processing (FSP) can be used as a tool to enhance the mechanical properties of cast alloys by eliminating such defects. In the present study FSP led to a five times improvement in fatigue life of an investment cast Al–7Si–0.6 Mg hypoeutectic alloy. The reason for such an enhancement was linked to the closure of casting porosities, which acted as crack nucleation sites in the as cast condition. Porosities acted as notches in the as cast alloy and led to an order of magnitude higher crack growth rate. As FSP eliminated the porosities and refined the Si particles the crack growth rate dropped, due to elimination of the notch effect, together with increased crack path tortuosity. Finally, short crack behavior was noted in both the cast and FSP specimens. The critical crack length, where a transition from a short crack to a long crack behavior took place is related to the respective microstructural characteristic dimensions.     

Thermodynamic evaluation of hypereutectic Al–Si (A390) alloy with addition of Mg

This paper presents the thermodynamic evaluation of A390 hypereutectic Al–Si alloy (Al–17% Si–4.5% Cu–0.5% Mg) and alloys up to 10% Mg, using the Factsage® software. Two critical compositions were detected at 4.2% and 7.2% Mg where the temperatures of the liquidus, the start of the binary and of the ternary eutectic reaction are changed. These critical compositions show differences in the formation of Mg₂Si intermetallic particles during the solidification interval. For compositions up to 4.2% Mg, the Mg₂Si intermetallic phase first appears in the ternary eutectic zone. With Mg contents between 4.2% and 7.2%, Mg₂Si particle appears in both the binary and ternary eutectic reactions. Above 7.2% Mg, it solidifies as a primary phase and also during the binary and ternary reactions. The calculated liquid fraction vs. temperature curves also showed a decrease of the eutectic formation temperature (knee point temperature) with the addition of Mg content up to 4.2% Mg. This temperature becomes almost constant up to 10% Mg. The calculation of eutectic formation temperature shows a good agreement with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) tests.