Effect of heat treatment on microstructures and mechanical properties of Al-6Zn-2Mg-1.5Cu-0.4Er alloy

The microstructures and mechanical properties of A1-6Zn-2Mg-1.5Cu-0.4Er alloy under different treatment conditions were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation, and tensile properties and hardness test, respectively. The relationship between mechanical properties and microstructures of the alloys was discussed. With trace Er addition to A1-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy, Er and Al interact to form Al3Er phase, which is coherent with a(Al) matrix. The results show that A1-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy after retrogression and re-ageing (RRA) heat treatment exhibits higher tensile strength, ductility and conductivity.