Thermal Analysis of the Solidification Behavior of AA7075 Containing Nanoparticles

The use of high strength, lightweight aluminum alloys in high-tech applications such as aerospace, as well as in the emerging field of electric vehicles, is an integral part of our society's push towards high energy efficiency. However, solidification processing of such alloys, especially fusion welding and additive manufacturing, remains challenging due to solute segregations and, ultimately, solidification cracking. Recently the use of refractory nanoparticles in hot crack susceptible aluminum alloys showed great potential to mitigate cracking during solidification. This work investigates the solidification mechanisms for aluminum alloy (AA) 7075 treated with a low volume fraction nanoparticles. Using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), we showed a significant deviation in the solidification behavior of nano-treated alloys from their commercial counterparts and found evidence of the underlying mechanisms in the microstructure of the material.

Automated summary

This study investigates the solidification mechanisms of aluminum alloy 7075 treated with low volume fraction nanoparticles, showing significant differences in solidification behavior compared to commercial counterparts and providing evidence of the underlying mechanisms in the material's microstructure.