Skip to main content

Advertisement

Springer Nature Link
Log in

Influence of Sc and Zr additions on microstructure and properties evolution of Al–Zn–Mg alloy

  • Metals & corrosion
  • Published:
Journal of Materials Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In this study, the effects of different Sc + Zr compound addition on the tensile properties, impact toughness, stress corrosion cracking (SCC) properties, polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and pitting corrosion (PC) of Al–Zn–Mg alloys are investigated. The results show that the Sc + Zr co-addition significantly inhibits the recrystallization behavior, refines the grain structure, and improves the tensile properties and impact toughness of the studied alloys. In fact, 0.43 wt% Sc + Zr-containing alloy achieves the maximum tensile properties, the tensile strength and yield strength are increased by 60.4 and 71.5 MPa, respectively. The impact toughness of 0.30 wt% Sc + Zr-containing alloy is 36.5 J/cm2, which is increased by 6.4 J/cm2. The Sc + Zr co-addition significantly reduces the SCC sensitivity, increases the charge transfer resistance, decreases the corrosion current density, and improves the PC resistance of Al–Zn–Mg alloys. The results of the strengthening model show that the main strength mechanism of Al–Zn–Mg alloys is precipitation strengthening of conventional η′ phases. The high toughness and corrosion resistance of alloys with Sc + Zr co-addition associated with the recrystallization resistance and the grain structures yielded by coherent Al3ScxZr1-x particles.

Graphical Abstract

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+
from $39.99 /Month
  • Starting from 10 chapters or articles per month
  • Access and download chapters and articles from more than 300k books and 2,500 journals
  • Cancel anytime
View plans

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
Figure 11
Figure 12
Figure 13
Figure 14
Figure 15
Figure 16

Similar content being viewed by others

Explore related subjects

Discover the latest articles, books and news in related subjects, suggested using machine learning.

References

  1. Ning ZL, Guo S, Cao FY, Wang GJ, Li ZC, Sun JF (2010) Microstructural evolution during extrusion and ECAP of a spray-deposited Al–Zn–Mg–Cu–Sc–Zr alloy. J Mater Sci 45:3023–3029. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-010-4306-x

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Liu L, Jia YY, Jiang JT, Zhang B, Li GA, Shao WZ, Zhen L (2019) The effect of Cu and Sc on the localized corrosion resistance of Al–Zn–Mg–X alloys. J Alloys Compd 799:1–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jallcom.2019.05.189

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Liu J, Yao P, Zhao NQ, Shi CS, Li HJ, Li X, Xi DS, Yang S (2016) Effect of minor Sc and Zr on recrystallization behavior and mechanical properties of novel Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloys. J Alloys Compd 657:717–725. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jallcom.2015.10.122

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Fang HC, Chao H, Chen KH (2014) Effect of Zr, Er and Cr additions on microstructures and properties of Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloys. Mater Sci Eng A 610:10–16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2014.05.021

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Kim JH, Kim JH, Yeom JT, Lee DG, Lim SG, Park NK (2007) Effect of scandium content on the hot extrusion of Al–Zn–Mg–(Sc) alloy. J Mater Process Tech 187–188:635–639. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmatprotec.2006.11.047

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Li WB, Pan QL, Zou L, Liang WJ, He YB, Liu JS (2009) Effects of minor Sc on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al–Zn–Mg–Cu–Zr based alloys. Rare Met 28:102–106. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12598-009-0020-8

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Benchabane G, Boumerzoug Z, Thibon I, Gloriant T (2008) Recrystallization of pure copper investigated by calorimetry and microhardness. Mater Charact 59(10):1425–1428. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matchar.2008.01.002

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Li HY, Gao ZH, Yin H, Jiang HF, Su XJ, Bin J (2013) Effects of Er and Zr additions on precipitation and recrystallization of pure aluminum. Scr Mater 68:59–62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scriptamat.2012.09.026

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Wang Y, Pan QL, Song YF, Li C, Li ZF, Chen Q, Yin ZM (2013) Recrystallization of Al–5.8Mg–Mn–Sc–Zr alloy. Trans Nonferrous Met Soc China 23(11):3235–3241. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-6326(13)62858-7

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Deng Y, Xu GF, Yin ZM, Lei XF, Huang JW (2013) Effects of Sc and Zr microalloying additions on the recrystallization texture and mechanism of Al–Zn–Mg alloys. J Alloys Compd 580:412–426. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jallcom.2013.06.020

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Singh V, Prasad KS, Gokhale AA (2004) Effect of minor Sc additions on structure, age hardening and tensile properties of aluminum alloy AA8090 plate. Scr Mater 50(6):903–908. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scriptamat.2003.12.00

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Guo W, Guo JY, Wang JD, Yang M, Li H, Wen XY, Zhang JW (2015) Evolution of precipitate microstructure during stress aging of an Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy. Mater Sci Eng A 634:167–175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2015.03.047

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Marlaud T, Deschamps A, Bley F, Lefebvre W, Baroux B (2010) Evolution of precipitate microstructures during the retrogression and re-ageing heat treatment of an Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy. Acta Mater 58(14):4814–4826. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2010.05.017

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Chen JZ, Zhen L, Yang SJ, Shao WZ, Dai SL (2009) Investigation of precipitation behavior and related hardening in AA 7055 aluminum alloy. Mater Sci Eng A 500(1–2):34–42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2008.09.065

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Morrison CB, Dunand DC, Seidman DN (2011) Coarsening resistance at 400°C of precipitation-strengthened Al-Zr-Sc-Er alloys. Acta Mater 59(18):7029–7042. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2011.07.057

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Knipling KE, Karnesky RA, Lee CP, Dunand DC, Seidman DN (2010) Precipitation evolution in Al–0.1Sc, Al–0.1Zr and Al–0.1Sc–0.1Zr (at%) alloys during isochronal aging. Acta Mater 58(15):5184–5195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2010.05.054

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Moreira AH, Benedetti AV, Sumodjo PTA, Garrido JA, Cabot PL et al (2002) Electrochemical behaviour of heat-treated Al–Zn–Mg alloys in chloride solutions containing sulphate. Electrochim Acta 47(17):2823–2831. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0013-4686(02)00169-X

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Wloka J, Virtanen S (2007) Influence of scandium on the pitting behaviour of Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloys. Acta Mater 55(19):6666–6672. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2007.08.021

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Huang LP, Chen KH, Li S, Song M (2007) Influence of high-temperature pre-precipitation on local corrosion behaviors of Al–Zn–Mg alloy. Scr Mater 56(4):305–308. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1754-9434.2011.01332.x

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Loucif A, Figueiredo RB, Baudin T, Brisset F, Chemam R, Langdon TG (2012) Ultrafine grains and the Hall-Petch relationship in an Al–Mg–Si alloy processed by high-pressure torsion. Mater Sci Eng A 532:139–145. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2011.10.074

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Li B, Pan QL, Huang X, Yin ZM (2014) Microstructures and properties of Al–Zn–Mg–Mn alloy with trace amounts of Sc and Zr. Mater Sci Eng A 616:219–227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2014.08.024

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Deng Y, Yin ZM, Zhao K, Duan JQ, He ZB (2012) Effects of Sc and Zr microalloying additions on the microstructure and mechanical properties of new Al–Zn–Mg alloys. J Alloys Compd 530:71–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jallcom.2013.06.020

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Li G, Zhao NQ, Liu T, Li JJ, He CN, Shi CS, Liu EZ, Sha JW (2014) Effect of Sc/Zr ratio on the microstructure and mechanical properties of new type of Al–Zn–Mg–Cu–Sc–Zr alloys. Mater Sci Eng A 617:219–227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2014.08.041

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Li YJ, Muggerud AMF, Olsen A, Furu T (2012) Precipitation of partially coherent α-Al(Mn, Fe)Si dispersoids and their strengthening effect in AA 3003 alloy. Acta Mater 60(3):1004–1014. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2011.11.003

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Liu CY, Teng GB, Ma ZY, Wei LL, Zhou WB, Huang HF, Qi HQ (2020) Mechanical properties and thermal stability of 7055 Al alloy by minor Sc addition. Rare Met 39:725–732. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12598-018-1190-z

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Knipling KE, Seidman DN, Dunand DC (2011) Ambient- and high-temperature mechanical properties of isochronally aged Al–0.06Sc, Al–0.06Zr and Al–0.06Sc–0.06Zr (at%) alloys. Acta Mater 59(3):943–954. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2010.10.017

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Song M, He YH, Fang SF (2011) Effects of Zr content on the yield strength of an Al–Sc alloy. J Mater Eng Perform 20:377–381. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11665-010-9693-2

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Neubert V, Smola B, Stulíkova I, Bakkar A, Reuter J (2007) Microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion behaviour of dilute Al–Sc–Zr alloy prepared by powder metallurgy. Mater Sci Eng A 464(1–2):358–364. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2007.03.070

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Senkov ON, Shagiev MR, Senkova SV, Miracle DB (2008) Precipitation of Al3(Sc, Zr) particles in an Al–Zn–Mg–Cu–Sc–Zr alloy during conventional solution heat treatment and its effect on tensile properties. Acta Mater 56(15):3723–3738. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2008.04.005

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Xiao YP, Pan QL, Li WB, Liu XY, He YB (2011) Influence of retrogression and re-aging treatment on corrosion behaviour of an Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy. Mater Des 32(4):2149–2156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2010.11.036

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Deschamps A, Brechet Y (1998) Influence of predeformation and ageing of an Al–Zn–Mg alloy–II. Modeling of precipitation kinetics and yield stress. Acta Mater 47(1):293–305. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1359-6454(98)00296-1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Zou Y, Wu XD, Tang SB, Zhu QQ, Song H, Guo MX, Cao LF (2021) Investigation on microstructure and mechanical properties of Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloys with various Zn/Mg ratios. J Mater Sci Technol 85:106–117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmst.2020.12.045

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Deng Y, Yin ZM, Zhao K, Duan JQ, Hu J, He ZB (2012) Effects of Sc and Zr micro-alloying additions and aging time at 120 °C on the corrosion behaviour of an Al–Zn–Mg alloy. Corros Sci 65:288–298. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.corsci.2012.08.024

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Knight SP, Birbilis N, Muddle BC, Trueman AR, Lynch SP (2010) Correlations between intergranular stress corrosion cracking, grain-boundary microchemistry, and grain-boundary electrochemistry for Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloys. Corros Sci 52(12):4073–4080. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.corsci.2010.08.024

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Kannan MB, Raja VS, Raman R, Mukhopadhyay AK (2003) Influence of multistep aging on the stress corrosion cracking behavior of 7010 Al Alloy. Corros 59(10):881–889. https://doi.org/10.5006/1.3287709

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Chen KH, Fang HC, Zhang Z, Chen X, Liu G (2008) Effect of Yb, Cr and Zr additions on recrystallization and corrosion resistance of Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloys. Mater Sci Eng A 497(1–2):426–431. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2008.07.028

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This research was funded by the Chinese National Science Foundation (51705539), the Major State Research Program of China (2017YFB0306301, 2016YFB0300901) and Major Science and Technology Project of Guangxi Province in China (1412001-5). This work was also partially supported the National Building Project of Application Demonstration Platform on New Materials Products (TC190H3ZV/2).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Light Alloy Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China

    Ke-Da Jiang, Zhen Zhang & Qing-Lin Pan

  2. School of Materials Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China

    Wen-Bo Zhu, Yun-Lai Deng & Xiao-Bin Guo

Authors
  1. Ke-Da Jiang
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Zhen Zhang
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Wen-Bo Zhu
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Qing-Lin Pan
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Yun-Lai Deng
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Xiao-Bin Guo
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Zhen Zhang or Xiao-Bin Guo.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Additional information

Handling Editor: Catalin Croitoru.

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Jiang, KD., Zhang, Z., Zhu, WB. et al. Influence of Sc and Zr additions on microstructure and properties evolution of Al–Zn–Mg alloy. J Mater Sci 57, 2208–2228 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-021-06692-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-021-06692-6

Profiles

  1. Xiao-Bin Guo View author profile