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Differential scanning calorimetry and electron diffraction investigation on low-temperature aging in Al-Zn-Mg alloys

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Abstract

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) has been combined with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to investigate the low-temperature decomposition processes taking place in an Al-5 wt pct Zn-1 wt pct Mg alloy. It was confirmed that two types of GP zones, i.e., GP(I) (solute-rich clusters) and GP(II) (vacancy-rich clusters), formed independently during decomposition of the supersaturated solid solution. The GP(I) zones form at a relatively low aging temperature and dissolve when the aging temperature is increased. The GP(II) zones are stable over a wider range of temperatures. To investigate the nature of the zones in the Al-Zn-Mg alloy, differential scanning calorimetry and transmission electron microscopy have also been carried out on binary Al-Zn alloys containing 5 wt pct and 10 wt pct Zn. In these Al-Zn alloys, GP zones formed rapidly during quenching, and they gave rise to characteristic electron diffraction patterns identical to those from GP(II) in the Al-Zn-Mg alloy system, implying that GP(II) zones in Al-Zn-Mg alloys are very similar to the zones formed in binary Al-Zn alloys. Thus, it is likely that GP(II) zones in Al-Zn-Mg alloys are zinc-rich clusters. In the Al-5 wt pct Zn-1 wt pct Mg alloy, both GP(I) and GP(II) were found to transform to η′ and/or η particles during heating in the differential scanning calorimeter. The η′ was also observed to form after prolonged isothermal aging of the Al-Zn-Mg alloy at 75 °C or after short aging times at 125 °C.

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Author notes

  1. B. Holme (Researcher, Research Scientist)

    Present address: the Centre for Materials Science/Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Gaustadalleen 21, N-0349, Oslo, Norway

Authors and Affiliations

  1. the Centre for Materials Science/Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Gaustadalleen 21, N-0349, Oslo, Norway

    X. J. Jiang (Researcher) & J. Tafto (Professor)

  2. the School of Mechanical, Materials, Manufacturing Engineering and Management, University of Nottingham, University Park, NG7 2RD, Nottingham, United Kingdom

    B. Noble (Reader in Materials Analysis)

  3. SINTEF Materials Technology, P.B. 124 Blindern, N-0314, Oslo, Norway

    B. Holme (Researcher, Research Scientist)

  4. Hydro Raufoss Automotive Research Centre, 2830, Raufoss, Norway

    G. Waterloo (Researcher)

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  1. X. J. Jiang
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  2. J. Tafto
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  5. G. Waterloo
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Jiang, X.J., Tafto, J., Noble, B. et al. Differential scanning calorimetry and electron diffraction investigation on low-temperature aging in Al-Zn-Mg alloys. Metall Mater Trans A 31, 339–348 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11661-000-0269-x

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