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Existing form and action mechanism of minor scandium and zirconium in Al-Cu-Mg alloy

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Abstract

In order to investigate the existing form and action mechanism of minor scandium (Sc) and zirconium (Zr) in Al-Cu-Mg alloy, microstructures of Al-4Cu-1Mg-Sc-Zr alloy under different conditions, including states of as-cast, homogenized, hot-rolled, as-solution and natural aged, were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It is revealed that Sc and Zr are completely dissolved into the supersaturated solid solution in as-cast ingot, but grain refinement is not observed. Coffee-bean-like Al3(Sc, Zr) particles deposit during homogenization of ingot induce an increase in hardness. Al3(Sc, Zr) particles are slightly coarsened in as-solution samples, but they still maintain coherent to matrix, which indicates a high thermal stability of these particles. Good coherency of Al3(Sc, Zr) particles makes some benefits for inhibiting recrystallization and reserving work-hardening.

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Authors and Affiliations

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

    Feng Jiang  (姜锋), Kang Wen  (文康), Hai-gen Jian  (蹇海根), Chun-li Jiang  (蒋春丽), Juan Zhao  (赵娟) & Long Jiang  (蒋龙)

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  1. Feng Jiang  (姜锋)
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  2. Kang Wen  (文康)
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  3. Hai-gen Jian  (蹇海根)
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  4. Chun-li Jiang  (蒋春丽)
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  5. Juan Zhao  (赵娟)
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  6. Long Jiang  (蒋龙)
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Correspondence to Feng Jiang  (姜锋).

Additional information

Foundation item: Project(2005DFA50550) supported by International Science and Technology Cooperation Program of China; Project(2005CB623705) supported by the National Basic Research Program of China

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Jiang, F., Wen, K., Jian, Hg. et al. Existing form and action mechanism of minor scandium and zirconium in Al-Cu-Mg alloy. J. Cent. South Univ. Technol. 17, 19–23 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-010-0004-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-010-0004-8

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