Theoretical design and distribution control of precipitates and solute elements in Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys with heterostructure

In order to simultaneously improve strength and formability, an analytical model for the concentration distribution of precipitates and solute elements is established and used to theoretically design and control the heterogeneous microstructure of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys. The results show that the dissolution of precipitates is mainly affected by particle size and heat treatment temperature, the heterogeneous distribution level of solute elements diffused in the alloy matrix mainly depends on the grain size, while the heat treatment temperature only has an obvious effect on the concentration distribution in the larger grains, and the experimental results of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy are in good agreement with the theoretical model predictions of precipitates and solute element concentration distribution. Controlling the concentration distribution of precipitates and solute elements in Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys is the premise of accurately constructing heterogeneous microstructure in micro-domains, which can be used to significantly improve the formability of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys with a heterostructure.

Automated summary

An analytical model was established to design and control the heterogeneous microstructure of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys, showing that particle size and heat treatment temperature affect the dissolution of precipitates, while the distribution of solute elements depends on grain size.