Microstructures and mechanical properties of Er modified AA7075 alloy

The effect of erbium and homogenization on microstructures and mechanical properties of AA7075 alloy were investigated using optical microscope (LIMI), scanning electronic microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray detection (EDS) and mechanical testing. It was found that during solidification most of the elements Er and Cu segregated at the grain boundaries in the form of Al₃ErCu or Al₈Cu₄Er and a very small part of Er dissolved in the FCC-Al matrix. The latter is not completely reclaimable for heterogeneous nucleation and refine grain FCC-Al matrix in its as-cast state. Er and Cu- containing phases fragmented into fine particles after extrusion and these led to a slight increase in grain boundary strengthening. The process of homogenizing, extruding and aging the Er containing alloys considerably improved the strength due to precipitation. The analysis of the extruded sample showed that the addition of Er can slightly retard the recrystallizing behavior of AA7075 alloy.