Microstructural Evaluation and Mechanical Properties of an Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Alloy after Addition of Nickel under RRA Conditions

Haider T. Naeem, Kahtan S. Mohammed

School of Materials Engineering, University Malaysia Perils, Taman Muhibbah, Perlis, Malaysia.
School of Materials Engineering, University Malaysia Perils, Taman Muhibbah, Perlis, Malaysia; College of Engineering, Al- Muthana University, Al-Muthana, Iraq.

DOI: 10.4236/msa.2013.411088                

Abstract

The effects of nickel in improving the mechanical properties and microstructural of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys produced by semi-direct chill casting were investigated. Aluminium alloys were homogenized at different temperatures conditions, which aged at 120°C for 24 h (T6 temper), and retrogressed at 180°C for 30 min and then re-aged at 120°C for 24 h (RRA). The results of the microstructural analyses showed that with adding nickel to aluminium alloy, nickel-rich dispersoid particles were formed, such as Al₇Cu₄Ni, Al₄Ni₃, Al₇₅Ni₁₀Fe₁₅, Al₃Ni₂, and Al₅₀Mg₄₈Ni₇. Intermetallics compounds within the matrix alloy led to dispersion and fine-grain mechanisms which prevent the recrystallization and grain growth. Enhancement of mechanical properties of the alloys study is obtained through the precipitation hardening of alloying elements of the base alloy besides Ni-bearing dispersoid particles. The microstructure of these alloys were examined through optical and scanning electron microscopy along with energy dispersive X-ray and X-ray diffraction.

Keywords

Al-Zn-Mg-Cu Alloys; Intermetallic; Microstructure; Mechanical; Orowan Mechanism

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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