Relationship between elements migration ofα-AlFeMnSi phase and micro-galvanic corrosion sensitivity of Al-Zn-Mg alloy

First principles calculations and scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy(SKPFM)were used to investigate the effect of elements migration ofα-AlFeMnSi phase on micro-galvanic corrosion behavior of Al-Zn-Mg alloy.The simulation results showed that the average work function difference between theα-AlFeMnSi phase and Al matrix decreased from 0.232 to 0.065 eV due to the synchronous migration of elements Fe-Mn-Si.Specifically,as the elements Fe-Si migration during the extrusion process,the average Volta potential difference detected by SKPFM between theα-AlFeMnSi phase and Al matrix dropped down to 432.383 mV from 648.370 mV.Thus,the elements migration reduced the micro-galvanic corrosion sensitivity of Al-Zn-Mg alloy.To reach the calculated low micro-galvanic tendency betweenα-AlFeMnSi phase and Al matrix,the diffusion of Mn should be promoted during extruding process.

Experiments and modeling of double-peak precipitation hardening and strengthening mechanisms in Al-Zn-Mg alloy

The aim of the present work is to develop a model for simulating double-peak precipitation hardening kinetics in Al-Zn-Mg alloy with the simultaneous formation of different types of precipitates at elevated temperatures based on the modified Langer-Schwartz approach. The double aging peaks are present in the long time age-hardening curves of Al-Zn-Mg alloys. The physically-based model, while taking explicitly into account nucleation, growth, coarsening of the new phase precipitations and two strengthening mechanisms associated with particle-dislocation interaction （shearing and bypassing）, was used for the analysis of precipitates evolution and precipitation hardening during aging of Al-Zn-Mg alloy. Model predictions were compared with the measurements of Al-Zn-Mg alloy. The systematic and quantitative results show that the predicted hardness profiles of double peaks via adding a shape dependent parameter in the growth equation for growth and coarsening generally agree well with the measured ones. Two strengthening mechanisms associated with particle-dislocation interaction （shearing and bypassing） were considered operating simultaneously in view of the particle size-distribution. The transition from shearing to bypassing strengthening mechanism was found to occur at rather early stage of the particle growth. The bypassing was found to be the prevailing strengthening mechanism in the investigated alloys.

Effect of flame rectification on corrosion property of Al-Zn-Mg alloy

The corrosion resistance of Al？Zn？Mg alloy subjected to different times in flame rectification was investigated based on the exfoliation corrosion test. The results indicate that the flame rectification deteriorates the exfoliation corrosion resistance of Al？Zn？Mg alloy. The corrosion resistance of Al-Zn-Mg alloy is ranked in the following order： base metal〉two times〉three times〉one time of flame rectification. The exfoliation corrosion behavior was discussed based on the transformation of precipitates at grain boundaries and matrix. With increasing the number of times in flame rectification, the precipitate-free zones disappeared and the precipitates experienced dissolution and re-precipitation. The sample was seriously corroded after one time of flame rectification, because the precipitates at grain boundaries are more continuous than those in other samples.

Determination of kinetic parameters from calorimetric study of solid state reactions in 7150 Al-Zn-Mg alloy

Differential scanning calorimetric （DSC） study was carried out at different heating rates to examine the solid state reactions in a 7150 A1-Zn-Mg alloy in water-quenched （WQ） state, naturally and artificially aged tempers. The exothermic and endothermic peaks of the thermograms indicating the solid state reaction sequence were identified. The shift of peak temperatures to higher temperatures with increasing heating rates suggests that the solid state reactions are thermally activated and kinetically controlled. The artificial aging behaviour of the alloy was assessed by measuring the variations of hardness with aging time. The fraction of transformation （Y）, the rate of transformation （dY/dt）, the transformation functionflY）, and the kinetic parameters such as activation energy （Q） and frequency factor （k0） of all the solid state reactions in the alloy were determined by analyzing the DSC data, i.e. heat flow involved with the corresponding DSC peaks. It was found that the kinetic parameters of the solid state reactions are in good agreement with the published data.

Microstructure and impact mechanical properties of multi-layer and multi-pass TIG welded joints of Al-Zn-Mg alloy plates

The microstructure and mechanical properties of multi-layer multi-pass TIG welded joints of Al-Zn-Mg alloy plates were studied.The phase constituent and microstructure of different regions of the welded joints were characterized by scanning electron microscopy(SEM),X-ray diffraction(XRD),transmission electron microscopy(TEM)and energy disperse spectrum(EDS),while the mechanical properties were evaluated according to the impact test.A dispersively distributed spherical and needle-likeη(MgZn2)phase was obtained in the welding seam.The phase composition of the heat-affected zone(HAZ)wasα(Al)+η(MgZn2)+Al6Mn,and there were a large number of dispersively precipitated nanoscale particles.The welded joint zone had the highest impact toughness as compared with the other parts of the joint.The MgZn2 phase in the weld zone contributed to the improved toughness of the joint.Al2 MgCu phase in HAZ was proven to act as a crack source during fracture.

Ageing Effect on Hardness and Microstructure of Al-Zn-Mg Alloys

Experimental results of the investigation on the hardness of two Al-Zn-Mg alloys [Al-10.0 Zn-4.0 Mg and Al-8.5 Zn-3.0 Mg (wt pct)] aged in the temperature range 60～310℃ for different intervals of time from 1/4 h to 168 h are presented. Both the alloys were found to show identical behaviour of hardness with ageing time. Alloy with higher Zn and Mg content had higher hardness than the alloy with lower solute content. There were three ranges of temperature in which different types of precipitates formed and affected the hardness. Some of the grain boundaries were found to migrate and precipitate free zone has been observed.

Fracture Toughness of Cast Al-Zn-Mg Alloys

Compact tension specimens of as-cast Al-3Zn-2Mg and Al-7Zn-2Mg (in wt pct) alloys were subjected to fracture toughness tests at room temperature according to specification5 laid down in ASTM E-399-81. It was found that increasing the Zn content, grain refinement and increasing the solidification rate lead to an increase in the fracture toughness of the material.

Solidification path calculations of Al-Zn-Mg alloys in Al-rich corner

The solidification paths of Al-Zn-Mg alloys in the Al-rich corner were investigated. The thermodynamic data for the calculation are obtained by direct coupling with the CALPHAD software Thermo-Calc via its TQ6-interface and the COST2 database. The influences of the initial compositions and the extent of solid back diffusion on the solidification path were numerically investigated by sample calculation of the ternary Al-Zn-Mg alloys. The calculation results of solidification paths of the selected alloys: Al-Zn-3 Mg(in wt.%), Al-5 Zn-10 Mg, Al-2.5Zn-15Mg, Al-10Zn-20.5 Mg, Al-8Zn-25 Mg, were: L→(L+α-Al), L→(L+α-Al)→(L+α-Al+TAU), L→(L+α-Al)→(L+α-Al+Al Mg_β), L→(L+α-Al)→(L+α-Al+TAU)→(L+α-Al+TAU+Al Mg_β), L→(L+α-Al)→(L+α-Al+Al Mg_β)→(L+α-Al+TAU+Al Mg_β), respectively. The results show that the initial compositions and the extent of solid back diffusion have a great influence on solidification path, and the amounts of eutectic phase increase with the decrease of the solid back diffusion coefficient. The equilibrium solute partition coefficients for Zn and Mg in alloys are also calculated and their influence on micro-segregation in the primary solidification of Al-5Zn-10 Mg alloy is analyzed.

Grain boundary pre-precipitation and its contribution to enhancement of corrosion resistance of Al-Zn-Mg alloy

High temperature pre-precipitation （HTPP）took place in7005 alloy at various temperatures after solution treatment and itsinfluence on mechanical properties, corrosion behaviors and microstructure of the alloy was investigated using tensile test, intergranular corrosion （IGC） test, slow strain rate testing （SSRT）, together with microstructural examinations. It is found that Vickers hardness of the aged alloy decreases gradually with decreasing the HTPP temperature, and almost a reverse trend of electrical conductivity is found compared to the hardness changes. Depending on the changes, two HTPP temperaturesof 440 and 420℃ were chosen for comparative study. Results reveal that HTPP alloy tempers exhibit higher resistance to stress corrosion cracking （SCC） and IGC than none pre-precipitate one with an acceptable strength loss due to the substantial enhancement of distribution discontinuity of the coarse grain boundary precipitates （GBPs）, and the coarsening and interspacing effect on GBPs becomes more obvious with decreasing the pre-precipitation temperature.

Effect of high-temperature pre-precipitation on mechanical properties and stress corrosion cracking of Al-Zn-Mg alloys

In order to improve the stress corrosion cracking resistance of the weldable Al Zn Mg alloys with medium strength, the near solvus pre precipitation following high temperature solution treatment was performed on LC52 and 7039 aluminum alloys. The effect of the pre precipitation on the microstructure, age hardening and stress corrosion cracking of LC52 and 7039 alloy was investigated. The results show that the near solvus pre precipitation can be limited on grain boundary and can enhance the discontinuity of grain boundary precipitates. The stress corrosion cracking resistance of aged Al Zn Mg alloys can be improved with non deteriorated strength and plasticity via pre precipitation.

Effect of trace rare earth element Er on Al-Zn-Mg alloy

Al-6Zn-2Mg and Al-6Zn-2Mg-0.4Er alloys were prepared by cast metallurgy. The effects of trace Er on the mechanical properties, recrystallization behavior and age-hardening characteristic of Al-Zn-Mg alloy were studied. The effect of Er on microstructures was also studied by OM, XRD, SEM, EDS and TEM. The results show that the addition of Er on Al-6Zn-2Mg alloy is capable of refining grains obviously. The addition of Er can improve the strength considerably by strengthening mechanisms of precipitation and grain refinement. With the addition of Er into Al-6Zn-2Mg alloy, the aging process is quickened and the age-hardening effect is heightened. Er additive can retard the recrystallizing behavior of Al-6Zn-2Mg alloy and cause the increase of recrystallization temperature due to the pinning effect of fine dispersed Al3Er precipitates on dislocations and subgrain boundaries.

Microstructure evolution and Al_3(Sc_(1-x)Zr_x) precipitates' kinetics in Al-Zn-Mg alloy during homogenization

The microstructure evolutions of two A1-Zn-Mg alloys, one of which was alloyed with Sc and Zr, and the kinetics of A13（SCl-xZrx） precipitates in the A1-Zn-Mg alloy during homogenization were investigated. Both alloys under as-cast condition with supersaturated, non-equilibrium T（Mg32（A1, Zn）49） phase and impurities phase were displayed. When the homogenization temperatures are below 350 ~C, Zn and Mg atoms precipitate from matrix; however, when the temperatures are above 400 ~C, T phase dissolves into matrix, enhancing solid-solution strengthening. Kinetics of A13（Scl.xZrx） precipitates was studied based on Jmat Pro software calculation and the difference values between the hardness of the two alloys in each homogenization condition. The calculations predict that the Sc and Zr solubilities in ct-A1 decline with the presence of Mg and Zn. Investigation of the difference values reveals that when the temperature is between 300 ~C and 350 ~C, the nucleation rate of A13（Sc1-xZrx） precipitates is the highest and the strengthening effect from A13（SCl_xZrx） precipitates is the best. After homogenization at 470℃ for 12 h, non-equilibrium T phase disappears, while impurity phase remains. The mean diameter of A13（Scl_xZrx） precipitates is around 18 urn. Ideas about better fulfilling the potentials of Sc and Zr were proposed at last.

Effect of growth rate on microstructure and solute distribution of Al-Zn-Mg alloy

An Al-5.3%Zn-5.3%Mg alloy was unidirectionally solidified to determine morphological transition and solute distribution by a modification of the Bridgman technique for crystal growth with growth rates ranging from 4-500 μm/s and a temperature gradient of 25 K/cm. It was determined that growth rates from 6.5-9.5 μm/s generated a cell morphology, where the lower limit corresponds to the plane front to cellular transition and the upper limit indicates the cellular to columnar dendrite transition. The microstructures of the alloys solidified from 30 μm/s to growth rates less than 500 μm/s were mainly composed of columnar dendrites, while the microstructures solidified at growth rates greater than 500 μm/s were equiaxed. Regarding experimental results on solute distribution, a prediction of the model developed by Rappaz and Boettinger for dendrite solidification of multicomponent alloys was applied with excellent agreement. Results of solute distribution were employed to derive the precipitation fraction of τ-phase needed to increase the electrochemical properties of the alloy to be used as an Al-sacrificial anode.

Evolution of mechanical properties,localized corrosion resistance and microstructure of a high purity Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy during non-isothermal aging

The evolution of mechanical properties,localized corrosion resistance of a high purity Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy during non-isothermal aging(NIA)was investigated by hardness test,electrical conductivity test,tensile test,intergranular corrosion test,exfoliation corrosion test,slow strain rate tensile test and electrochemical test,and the mechanism has been discussed based on microstructure examination by optical microscopy,electron back scattered diffraction,scanning electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy.The NIA treatment includes a heating stage from 40℃to 180℃with a rate of 20℃/h and a cooling stage from 180℃to 40℃with a rate of 10℃/h.The results show that the hardness and strength increase rapidly during the heating stage of NIA since the increasing temperature favors the nucleation and the growth of strengthening precipitates and promotes the transformation of Guinier-Preston(GPI)zones toη'phase.During the cooling stage,the sizes ofη'phase increase with a little change in the number density,leading to a further slight increase of the hardness and strength.As NIA proceeds,the corroded morphology in the alloy changes from a layering feature to a wavy feature,the maximum corrosion depth decreases,and the reason has been analyzed based on the microstructural and microchemical feature of precipitates at grain boundaries and subgrain boundaries.

Synergistic effect of gradient Zn content and multiscale particles on the mechanical properties of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys with coupling distribution of coarse-fine grains

This study investigated the influence of graded Zn content on the evolution of precipitated and iron-rich phases and grain struc-ture of the alloys,designed and developed the Al–8.0Zn–1.5Mg–1.5Cu–0.2Fe(wt%)alloy with high strength and formability.With the increase of Zn content,forming the coupling distribution of multiscale precipitates and iron-rich phases with a reasonable matching ratio and dispersion distribution characteristics is easy.This phenomenon induces the formation of cell-like structures with alternate distribu-tion of coarse and fine grains,and the average plasticity–strain ratio(characterizing the formability)of the pre-aged alloy with a high strength is up to 0.708.Results reveal the evolution and influence mechanisms of multiscale second-phase particles and the corresponding high formability mechanism of the alloys.The developed coupling control process exhibits considerable potential,revealing remarkable improvements in the room temperature formability of high-strength Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloys.

高强Al-Zn-Mg-Cu合金静态再结晶模型及组织演变

采用Gleeble 3800热模拟试验机对航空用Al-Zn-Mg-Cu合金的热变形行为进行了测试,对变形后的微观组织进行了表征,系统分析了静态软化行为,建立了静态再结晶动力学模型。结果表明:实验用航空Al-Zn-Mg-Cu合金的静态再结晶激活能为129162 J·mol^(-1),静态再结晶体积分数受变形温度、变形程度、变形速率的影响,且变形温度对静态再结晶影响最明显;变形速率一定时,变形温度越高,道次停留时间的影响越不明显;350℃低温变形后,α-Al基体晶粒内部仍存在大量的位错缠结;400℃中温变形后,位错运动能够充分进行,部分晶粒发生了再结晶;450℃高温变形后,基体晶粒基本全部完成了再结晶,基体晶粒内部发现5~25 nm尺寸范围的Al-Zn-Mg-Cu四元相粒子;对于不同热变形条件,模型预测值的误差在0.008~0.0625范围内,动力学模型的计算结果精确度较高。

时效处理对不同晶粒组织Al-Zn-Mg合金腐蚀性能的影响

以中强Al-Zn-Mg合金为研究对象,采用晶间腐蚀、电化学极化曲线测试、慢应变速率拉伸等试验,结合OM、TEM、SEM、EBSD等组织分析方法研究时效处理和晶粒组织对合金腐蚀性能的影响。研究结果表明:随着双级时效时间的延长,再结晶晶粒合金的抗腐蚀性能逐渐提升,从欠时效处理到过时效处理,晶间腐蚀等级由4级降为2级,电化学腐蚀电流密度由27.71μA/cm^(2)降为0.098μA/cm^(2),应力腐蚀指数由79.15降至18.40;纤维晶粒合金与同时效阶段的再结晶晶粒合金相比,其抗腐蚀性能显著提升,其中,晶间腐蚀最大深度降低了35.9%,电化学腐蚀电流密度降低了81.4%,年腐蚀速率降低了81.9%,应力腐蚀敏感指数降低了46.2%。中强Al-Zn-Mg合金腐蚀性能的提升主要源于其较低的再结晶分数和较低的大角度晶界占比。

基于机器学习的Al-Zn-Mg-Cu合金快速设计

提出一种基于机器学习的合金快速设计系统(ARDS),以定制所需性能的合金制备策略或预测制备策略所对应的合金性能。为此,分别对3种回归算法:线性回归(LR)、支持向量回归(SVR)和人工神经网络(BPNN)进行建模和比较以训练多性能预测模型。其中,应用SVR构建的机器学习模型被证明是最佳的。然后,基于生成对抗网络(GAN)模型原理,构建Al-Zn-Mg-Cu系铝合金快速设计系统(ARDS)。对ARDS的预测可靠性进行验证。结果表明,为了能够获得准确的制备策略,系统中极限抗拉强度(UTS)、屈服强度(YS)和伸长率(EL)的输入上限分别约为790 MPa、730 MPa和28%。此外,基于ARDS预测结果,制备了一种性能优异的新型铝合金材料,其UTS为764 MPa、YS为732 MPa、EL为10.1%,进一步验证了ARDS的可靠性。

Relationship between the unique microstructures and behaviors of high-entropy alloys

High-entropy alloys(HEAs),which were introduced as a pioneering concept in 2004,have captured the keen interest of nu-merous researchers.Entropy,in this context,can be perceived as representing disorder and randomness.By contrast,elemental composi-tions within alloy systems occupy specific structural sites in space,a concept referred to as structure.In accordance with Shannon entropy,structure is analogous to information.Generally,the arrangement of atoms within a material,termed its structure,plays a pivotal role in dictating its properties.In addition to expanding the array of options for alloy composites,HEAs afford ample opportunities for diverse structural designs.The profound influence of distinct structural features on the exceptional behaviors of alloys is underscored by numer-ous examples.These features include remarkably high fracture strength with excellent ductility,antiballistic capability,exceptional radi-ation resistance,and corrosion resistance.In this paper,we delve into various unique material structures and properties while elucidating the intricate relationship between structure and performance.

Microstructure and damping properties of LPSO phase dominant Mg-Ni-Y and Mg-Zn-Ni-Y alloys

This work studied the microstructure,mechanical properties and damping properties of Mg_(95.34)Ni_(2)Y_(2.66) and Mg_(95.34)Zn_(1)Ni_(1)Y_(2.66)alloys systematically.The difference in the evolution of the long-period stacked ordered(LPSO)phase in the two alloys during heat treatment was the focus.The morphology of the as-cast Mg_(95.34)Ni_(2)Y_(2.66)presented a disordered network.After heat treatment at 773 K for 2 hours,the eutectic phase was integrated into the matrix,and the LPSO phase maintained the 18R structure.As Zn partially replaced Ni,the crystal grains became rounded in the cast alloy,and lamellar LPSO phases and more solid solution atoms were contained in the matrix after heat treatment of the Mg_(95.34)Zn_(1)Ni_(1)Y_(2.66)alloy.Both Zn and the heat treatment had a significant effect on damping.Obvious dislocation internal friction peaks and grain boundary internal friction peaks were found after temperature-dependent damping of the Mg_(95.34)Ni_(2)Y_(2.66)and Mg_(95.34)Zn_(1)Ni_(1)Y_(2.66)alloys.After heat treatment,the dislocation peak was significantly increased,especially in the alloy Mg_(95.34)Ni_(2)Y_(2).66.The annealed Mg_(95.34)Ni_(2)Y_(2.66)alloy with a rod-shaped LPSO phase exhibited a good damping performance of 0.14 atε=10^(−3),which was due to the difference between the second phase and solid solution atom content.These factors also affected the dynamic modulus of the alloy.The results of this study will help in further development of high-damping magnesium alloys.