The Evolution of the Microstructure of AA2024 Aluminum Alloys as a Function of the Artificial Ageing Temperature

Evolution of the microstructure of the AA2024 aluminum alloy was studied during the over-ageing process. The phenomenon of precipitation hardening in aluminum alloys allows the precipitation of the intermetallic particles, starting from the main elements of alloy (Cu and Mg). The over-ageing treatment was realized at three temperatures: 150, 175 and 190 °C. To characterize the microstructure after this treatment a statistical analysis of the spatial distribution of intermetallic particles was made, depending on the surfaces fraction and density. SEM images acquired in a backscattered electron way were analyzed using the Areas software.