Regulating solute partitioning utilized to decorate grain boundary for improving corrosion resistance in a model Al-Cu-Mg alloy

The precise manipulation of grain boundary microstructure, including interfacial solute partition and precipitate distribution, is crucial for regulating the corrosion resistance of age-hardening aluminum alloys. In this study, we explored a novel manipulation pathway, the pulsed electric field (PEC), to regulate solute segregation to grain boundary to form a specific grain boundary structure. The calculated atomic diffusion results reveal that the PEC can stimulate atomic diffusion by decreasing the energy required for diffusion, through which the continuous distribution of grain boundary precipitates and solute depletion zone formation can be inhibited. Hence, the corrosion resistance is significantly improved.

Automated summary

In this study, a novel manipulation pathway using pulsed electric field (PEC) was explored to control grain boundary structure and improve corrosion resistance in age-hardening aluminum alloys. The calculated atomic diffusion results showed that PEC can stimulate atomic diffusion by decreasing the energy required, inhibiting the formation of continuous distribution of grain boundary precipitates and solute depletion zone. This significantly enhanced the corrosion resistance.