Effects of homogenization on the microstructural evolution of a novel Zr and Er containing Al–Mg–Zn alloy. (July 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xue, Da; Wei, Wu; Shi, Wei; Zhou, Xiaorong; Wen, Shengping; Wu, Xiaolan; Gao, Kunyuan; Rong, Li; Qi, Peng; Huang, Hui; Nie, Zuoren
• Is Part Of: Intermetallics. Volume 158(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-07
• Subjects: Aluminides -- Diffusion -- Dispersion strengthening -- Heat treatment -- Nucleation and growth; Intermetallic compounds -- Metallography -- Periodicals; Metallic glasses -- Periodicals; Composés intermétalliques -- Métallographie -- Périodiques; 669.94
• DOI: 10.1016/j.intermet.2023.107907
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0966-9795

Abstract

Abstract: In this study, the microstructural evolution of Al–Mg–Zn–Er–Zr alloys during the homogenization process is investigated. The primary phase dissolution and solute diffusion were studied based on microstructural characterization and kinetic analysis. The results showed that the primary phase completely dissolved and the solute elements are uniformly diffuse for homogenization at 460 °C/24 h. The Al3 (Er, Zr) second phase precipitates during the homogenization of Al–Mg–Zn–Er–Zr alloys. Compared with the traditional single-stage homogenization, the two-stage homogenization promotes the uniform precipitation of the Al3 (Er, Zr) phase, which improves the chain distribution of the Al3 (Er, Zr) phase and increases hardness of the alloy. The optimal homogenization treatment is 320 °C/10 h + 460 °C/24 h, which is consistent with the results of the homogenization kinetic analysis. Highlights: Dissolution and diffusion of precipitates are analyzed by diffusion kinetics. The chain distribution of the precipitates is improved. The two-stage homogeneous alloy showed the highest peak hardness and conductivity. The homogenization parameters of the novel Al–Mg–Zn–Er–Zr alloy were determined.