Non-isothermal aging of a high-Zn-containing Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy: Microstructure and mechanical properties

Abstract

The non-isothermal aging behaviour of a newly developed Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy containing 17 wt-% Zn was investigated. Hardness and shear punch tests demonstrated that during non-isothermal aging, the mechanical properties of the alloy first increased and then decreased. The best properties were obtained in a sample which was non-isothermally aged upto 250°C with heating rate of 20°C min⁻¹, due to the presence of η′/η (MgZn₂) phases. This was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetery. After homogenisation, residual eutectic phases remained at triple junctions or in a spherical form. During aging, these phases transformed into rodlike S (Al₂CuMg)-phase at 400°C, with sizes ranging from 50 to 250 nm. The precipitation sequence in this high-Zn alloy was similar to that for conventional Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloys.