The use of DSC in describing the structure evolution of an AlZnMg alloy

Summary

The potential of DSC in suggesting modifications of thermal treatments of Al alloys to increase mechanical properties is described. Significant results can be obtained from calorimetric evolution after a series of annealings, even without a direct observation of the microstructure. The role of a reference baseline is discussed. The Guinier-Preston (GP) zones formation, dissolution or transformation is followed, and their relevance for the microhardness increase is shown, for an AlZnMg alloy of technical interest. Multi-stage thermal treatments have been confirmed to be beneficial. A secondary precipitation occurs at room temperature after annealing at temperatures at which primary precipitation is almost complete.