The evolution mechanism of the second phase during homogenization of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu aluminum alloy

Abstract

The evolution mechanism of the second phase in the homogenization process of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu aluminum alloy was thoroughly investigated. The results revealed that the phase transition of Mg(Zn, Cu, Al)2 to S(Al2CuMg) occurs due to the interdiffusion between Zn and Al atoms at the interface during homogenization at 420 °C for 15 to 30 min. Additionally, the dissolution of S(Al2CuMg) into the Al- matrix is governed by the interdiffusion of (Mg, Cu atoms) and Al atoms. Notably, the θ(Al2Cu) phase plays a crucial role as an intermediate transition phase facilitating the dissolution of S(Al2CuMg) into the Al- matrix. These findings significantly contribute to our understanding of the complex processes involved in the phase transformations during the homogenization of the Al-Zn-Mg-Cu aluminum alloy.

Keywords

• Al-Zn-Mg-Cu aluminum alloy
• Homogenization
• Phase evolution
• Phase composition
• Atomic diffusion