Research on Microstructure Evolution in Al-9.8Zn-2.0Mg-1.8Cu Alloy during Solution Treatment
The microstructure of as-extruded Al-9.8Zn-2.0Mg-1.8Cu aluminum alloy and its evolution during solution treatment were investigated by means of optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis and electron back-scatter diffraction (EBSD). The results indicated that second phase of the as-extruded alloy mainly consisted of Mg (Zn, Cu, Al)2 and Fe-rich phases. After solution treated at 475°C for 4h, Mg (Zn, Cu, Al)2 phases were dissolved into the matrix, while Fe-rich phases still existed. Fe-rich phases cannot dissolve by prolonging solution time. The room temperature tensile strength gradually increased by prolonging solution time at 475oC. The ultimate tensile strength of the alloy reached 700MPa after both single and two-step solution treatments.