The microstructural evolution of an Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy during homogenization.pdf

06) 1475–1479 /locate/matletMaterials Letters 60 (20The microstructural evolution of an Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy during homogenization Xigang Fan a,?, Daming Jiang a, Qingchang Meng a, Li Zhong b a Analysis and Measurement Center, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, PR China b Northeast Light Alloy Co. Ltd., Harbin 150060, PR China Received 9 July 2005; accepted 16 November 2005 Available online 1 December 2005Abstract The evolution of microstructure in an Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy during homogenization has been studied. The evolution of primary eutectic structure consists of three processes as follows: dissolving of Mg(Zn,Cu,Al)2, nucleation and growth of Al2CuMg particles while its fraction increases, coarsening of Al2CuMg together with the decreasing of its fraction. A novel phase transformation of the primary eutectic structure from Mg(Zn,Cu,Al)2 to Al2CuMg is observed during homogenization. The Al2CuMg particles formed in the primary MgZn2 phase, and grew along the eutectic microstructure. The size and morphology of Al7Cu2Fe exhibited no change. ? 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Keywords: Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy; Homogenization; Al2CuMg1. Introduction Al–Zn–Mg–Cu age-hardening alloys with high strength and low density are widely used in aerospace field [1,2]. Usually the residual coarse particles (N1 μm) such as Fe rich or Cu rich phases will deteriorate the toughness and fatigue performance [3–8]. The chemical composition, casting and homogenization process will influence the volume fraction, morphology, and intrinsic character of coarse particles [9]. The microstructures in as cast and homogenized Al–Zn– Mg–Cu alloys are studied in detail [10–13]. In commercial Al– Zn–Mg–Cu alloys, several intermetallic phases between 400 °C and the solidus can occur during solidification, which are often S, T and η [1]. It is noted that S, T and η are solid solutions with extended composition ranges [11]. It is well known the type and intrinsic character of coarse particles wil