Microstructure and properties of cast ingots of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys modified with Sc and Zr

The effect of combined additions of Sc and Zr on the microstructure and tensile properties of the direct chill (DC) cast ingots of developmental Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys has been evaluated in this work. The properties in both the longitudinal and transverse directions were determined in as-cast and cast-plus-heat-treated conditions, at room temperature (RT) and cryogenic temperature (CT). Extensive microstructural evaluation was carried out using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, including orientation image microscopy (OIM) by the electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) technique. The Sc-containing developmental cast alloys showed the tensile properties, which are much better than the properties of commercial cast Al alloys and are similar or even superior to the properties of 7075-T6 alloy forgings. The microstructural evolution, the strengthening mechanisms, the optimum content of the dispersoid-forming elements, and the processing-structure-property correlations are discussed.