In-situ study of microstructural evolution during thermal treatment of 6063 aluminum alloy

The present study reports microstructural observation during thermal treatment of 6063 aluminum alloy. Microscopic investigation employing low-energy electron and X-ray photoemission electron techniques was conducted. Work function pertaining thereto such techniques was analyzed. During the thermal treatment representing homogenization of the alloy, as-cast intermetallics transform morphologically from initial beta-AlFeSi to alpha-Al(FeMn)Si. The transformation is governed by elemental diffusion between the as-cast intermetallics and the aluminum matrix and by reversible wetting of grain boundaries. These lead to formation of discrete and globular particles of alpha-Al(FeMn)Si all over the aluminum matrix. This in-situ study reveals that the phase transformation is not taken place by nucleation of alpha-Al(FeMn)Si onto surfaces of beta-AlFeSi. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.