Abstract
The microstructural evolution and phase transformations of a high-alloyed Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy (Al-8.59Zn-2.00Mg-2.44Cu, wt%) during homogenization were investigated. The results show that the as-cast microstructure mainly contains dendritic α(Al), non-equilibrium eutectics (α(Al) + Mg(Zn,Al,Cu)2), and the θ (Al2Cu) phase. Neither the T (Al2Mg3Zn3) phase nor the S (Al2CuMg) phase was found in the as-cast alloy. The calculated phase components according to the Scheil model are in agreement with experimental results. During homogenization at 460°C, all of the θ phase and most of the Mg(Zn,Al,Cu)2 phase were dissolved, whereas a portion of the Mg(Zn,Al,Cu)2 phase was transformed into the S phase. The type and amount of residual phases remaining after homogenization at 460°C for 168 h and by a two-step homogenization process conducted at 460°C for 24 h and 475°C for 24 h (460°C/24 h + 475°C/24 h) are in good accord with the calculated phase diagrams. It is concluded that the Al-8.59Zn-2.00Mg-2.44Cu alloy can be homogenized adequately under the 460°C/24 h + 475°C/24 h treatment.
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Shu, Wx., Liu, Jc., Hou, Lg. et al. Microstructural evolution of Al-8.59Zn-2.00Mg-2.44Cu during homogenization. Int J Miner Metall Mater 21, 1215–1221 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-014-1029-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-014-1029-z