The experimental study of aluminium alloys based on the Al–Ca–Zn–Mg system (3.5% Mg and 2.5% Mg, 0–10% Ca, 0–14% Zn (wt-%)) was combined with Thermo-Calc simulations for the optimisation of the alloy composition. Zinc is distributed between aluminium solid solution and phase (Al,Zn)4Ca. Magnesium was not observed in the intermetallic phase. The eutectic (Al,Zn)4Ca had fine structure and particles of (Al,Zn)4Ca were capable of spheroidisation during the heat treatment at 520°С. The maximum level of hardness observed in calcium-containing alloys was higher than 200 HB, suggesting good strength properties. With an example of the Al–Zn(9%)–Mg(3.5%)–Ca(3%) alloy, the possibility of manufacturing thin rolled sheets based on the (Al)–Ca eutectic was demonstrated.
This article is part of a Themed Issue on Aluminium-based materials: processing, microstructure, properties, and recycling.
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