Study on microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloy with high manganese content

The microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloy with high manganese content were studied in the present work to develop a new alloy. The microstructure features were quantificationally determined by a combination of scanning electron microscope and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The dominant strengthening precipitates comprising the needle-shaped pre-beta '' (or beta '') and lath-shaped Q' phases were identified in the T6 temper. With the increase of magnesium content, S phase was promoted to precipitate to give an enhancement in strength. The yield strength of the examined alloys with high manganese content was found to be about 52-65% higher than that of commercial 6061 alloy. It was considered that, in addition to the strengthening precipitates, Mn dispersoids generating the dispersion hardening effect and the homogeneous deformation contributed a lot to the favorable mechanical properties. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd.