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Improved Distribution and Uniformity of α-Al(Mn,Cr)Si Dispersoids in Al-Mg-Si-Cu-Mn (6xxx) Alloys by Two-Step Homogenization

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Abstract

The recrystallization behaviors of deformed 6xxx aluminum alloys can be effectively controlled with α-Al(Mn,Cr)Si dispersoids by pinning or slowing the movement of dislocations. However, abnormal grain growth still often occurs due to the nonuniform distribution of α-Al(Mn,Cr)Si dispersoids. In the present study, the uniformity of dispersoids was significantly improved by applying two-step homogenization heat treatments. The effect of different homogenization conditions on the distribution of the α-Al(Mn,Cr)Si dispersoid was evaluated. By applying traditional one-step homogenization at 550 °C for 10 hours, the dispersoids exhibited sparse and nonuniform precipitation at the center of grains or dendritic arms. These areas with a nonuniform distribution of dispersoids were regarded as coarse dispersoid zones (CDZs). Relative to one-step homogenization, two-step homogenization led to a considerable reduction in the percentage of CDZ area from approximately 7 pct to less than 2.5 pct. This result was due to the diffusion of solute elements and the precipitation of metastable Mg2Si and Q phases because of isothermal holding during the first step. Metastable Mg2Si and Q phases could act as nucleation sites to promote the precipitation of α-Al(Mn,Cr)Si dispersoids. As a result, α-Al(Mn,Cr)Si dispersoids exhibited uniform precipitation, and the formation of CDZs was avoided. Two-step homogenization also improved the recrystallization resistance of the alloy because of the decrease in the percentage of CDZ area.

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Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the financial support provided by Shandong Weiqiao Pioneering Group Co., Ltd., National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. U1864209) and China Postdoctoral Foundation Grant (Grant No. 2018M642309).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. High-Performance Metal Structural Materials Research Institute, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215021, Jiangsu, P.R. China

    Zhen Li, Jian Qin & Hiromi Nagaumi

  2. Shagang School of Iron and Steel, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215021, Jiangsu, P.R. China

    Zhen Li, Jian Qin & Hiromi Nagaumi

  3. Key Lab of Electromagnetic Processing of Materials, Ministry of Education, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, Liaoning, P.R. China

    Haitao Zhang

  4. College of Engineering, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, P.R. China

    Xiaoguo Wang

  5. Shandong Weiqiao Pioneering Group Co. Ltd, Zouping, 256200, Shandong, P.R. China

    Bo Zhang

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  1. Zhen Li
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  2. Jian Qin
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  3. Haitao Zhang
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  4. Xiaoguo Wang
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Correspondence to Jian Qin or Hiromi Nagaumi.

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Manuscript submitted October 22, 2019; accepted March 10, 2021.

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Li, Z., Qin, J., Zhang, H. et al. Improved Distribution and Uniformity of α-Al(Mn,Cr)Si Dispersoids in Al-Mg-Si-Cu-Mn (6xxx) Alloys by Two-Step Homogenization. Metall Mater Trans A 52, 3204–3220 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11661-021-06243-3

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