Influence of Homogenization on Microstructural Response and Mechanical Property of Al-Cu-Mn Alloy

Abstract

The evolution of the microstructures and properties of large direct chill (DC)-cast Al-Cu-Mn alloy ingots during homogenization was investigated. The results revealed that the Al-Cu-Mn alloy ingots had severe microsegregation and the main secondary phase was Al2Cu, with minimal Al7Cu2Fe phase. Numerous primary eutectic phases existed in the grain boundary and the main elements were segregated at the interfaces along the interdendritic region. The grain boundaries became discontinuous, residual phases were effectively dissolved into the matrix, and the segregation degree of all elements was reduced dramatically during homogenization. In addition, the homogenized alloys exhibited improved microstructures with finer grain size, higher number density of dislocation networks, higher density of uniformly distributed θ′ or θ phase (Al2Cu), and higher volume fraction of high-angle grain boundaries compared to the nonhomogenized samples. After the optimal homogenization scheme treated at 535 °C for 10 h, the tensile strength and elongation% were about 24 MPa, 20.5 MPa, and 1.3% higher than those of the specimen without homogenization treatment.

Optimization of Homogenization Treatment Parameters and Microstructural Evolution of Large Size DC AA2014 Aluminum Alloy

“…Similar observations of the increased fraction of HAGBs have also been reported in other homogenized AlCu alloys. 13,33) The illustration of Fig. 10(d) is the fraction of recrystallized grains of various homogenized samples, the microstructure mainly exhibited substructure (yellow color in Fig.…”

A Quasi In-Situ Study on the Microstructural Evolution of 2195 Al-Cu-Li Alloy during Homogenization

“…To solve these problems, cast ingots of Al-Cu-Li alloys are usually homogenized prior to manufacturing. The microstructural evolution of these ingots during homogenization has a significant impact on their deformation, recovery and recrystallization behaviors in subsequent processes, such as rolling and forging [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. For example, T B and θ phases on the grain boundaries will dissolve in the appropriate homogenization process, thus inhibiting the initiation of cracks during subsequent processing [ 21 , 22 ] and improving their mechanical properties after aging [ 23 , 24 , 25 ].…”

Numerical Simulation and Experimental Investigation of the Preparation of Aluminium Alloy 2A50 Semi-Solid Billet by Electromagnetic Stirring

“…Aluminium alloy 2A50 has also been used for the production of wires as it has excellent heat conduction and corrosion resistance. However, the intergranular segregation of Cu, Mn, and Fe is a severe issue with aluminium alloy 2A50 [9]. Although the T6 heat treatment strengthening can increase the hardness of aluminium alloy 2A50, the alloy elements are severely precipitated from the inside of the grains, resulting in a decrease in mechanical properties such as elongation and tensile strength.…”