Laser powder b ed fusion of high-strength Sc/Zr-modified Al-Mg alloy: phase selection, microstructural/mechanical heterogeneity, and tensile deformation behavior

Laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) of Sc/Zr-modified Al-based alloys has recently become a promising method for developing a new generation of high-performance Al alloys. To clarify the modification roles of Sc/Zr elements, an Al-4.66Mg-0.48Mn-0.72Sc-0.33Zr (wt.%) alloy was processed using L-PBF. The effect of the local solidification condition of the molten pool on the precipitation behavior of primary Al-3(Sc,Zr) was analyzed based on time-dependent nucleation theory. It was found that primary Al-3 (Sc,Zr) inevitably precipitated at the fusion boundary, while its precipitation could be effectively suppressed in the inner region of the molten pool. This subsequently induced the formation of a heterogeneous alpha-Al matrix. After direct aging, the heredity of solidification microstructure introduced heterogeneous secondary Al-3 (Sc,Zr) precipitates within alpha-Al matrix. Owing to the inverse relationship between grain boundary strengthening and precipitation strengthening, the direct-aged sample with dual heterogeneous structures exhibited reduced mechanical heterogeneity, resulting in lowered hetero-deformation-induced hardening. The low strain-hardening capability in the direct-aged sample promoted necking instability while inducing a large Luders elongation, which effectively improved the tensile ductility. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Chinese Society for Metals.

Automated summary

By using laser powder bed fusion to process Sc/Zr-modified Al-based alloys, the precipitation behavior of primary Al-3(Sc,Zr) was studied. It was found that the precipitation of primary Al-3(Sc,Zr) could be effectively suppressed in the inner region of the molten pool, inducing the formation of a heterogeneous alpha-Al matrix. Direct aging introduced heterogeneous secondary Al-3(Sc,Zr) precipitates within alpha-Al matrix, resulting in reduced mechanical heterogeneity and improved tensile ductility.