In this study, the influence of Er addition on the microstructure, type transformation of second phases, and corrosion resistance of an Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy were explored. The results revealed that the added Er element could significantly refine the alloy grains and change the second-phase composition at the grain boundary of the alloy. In the as-cast state, the Er element significantly enhanced the corrosion resistance of the alloy due to its refining effect on the grains and second phases at the grain boundary. The addition of the alloying element Er to the investigated alloy changed the type of corrosion attack on the alloy’s surface. In the presence of Er, the dominant type of corrosion attack is pitting corrosion, while the alloy without Er is prone to intergranular corrosion attack. After a solution treatment, the Al8Cu4Er phase was formed, in which the interaction with the Cu element and the competitive growth relation to the Al3Er phase were the key factors influencing the corrosion resistance of the alloy. The anodic corrosion mechanism of the Al8Cu4Er and Al3Er phases evidently lowered the alloy corrosion rate, and the depth of the corrosion pit declined from 197 μm to 155 μm; however, further improvement of corrosion resistance was restricted by the morphology and size of the Al8Cu4Er phase after its formation and growth; therefore, adjusting the matching design of the Cu and Er elements can allow Er to improve the corrosion resistance of the Al–Zn–Mg–Cu aluminum alloy to the greatest extent.

The semisolid brazing process of SiCp/A356 composites was investigated. The effects of temperature on the microstructure of the filler metal and the joints are discussed in this paper. The research results show that with increasing temperature, the solid fraction of the filler metal decreases. Moreover, the SiCp/A356 composites can be effectively joined with the semisolid filler metal by optimising the stirring temperature. It can be found that most of the oxide film on the surface of the composites is disrupted by mechanical stirring. In this case, the metallurgical bonds formed at the interface between the filler metal and the base materials. Since the semisolid temperature range of the filler metal is narrow, the accurate controlling of the weld pool temperature must be considered.

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