Characterization of Precipitates in 3xxx Series Alloys with Zirconium

The study presents the results of microstructure examinations and phase identification of precipitates in AlMn alloys containing zirconium after heat treatment and rolling. Chemical composition in microareas was determined by Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (EDS) microanalysis performed in Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM-EDS) and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope (STEM-EDS) modes. Phase identification was carried out using Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) method. Studies have shown that Al6Mn and α- Al17(Fe3.2Mn0.8)Si2 phases were formed in the melt. Microstructure examined by TEM showed the presence of finely dispersed spherical precipitates of zirconium. In the alloy with an addition of silicon and magnesium, numerous precipitates of an Mg2Si phase were also found.