Effect of Dissolution of η′ Precipitates on Mechanical Properties of A7075-T6 Alloy

Abstract

The effects of dissolution of the η′ phase by solution treatment on the mechanical properties of A7075-T6 alloy were investigated. Immediately after solution treatment of the T6 sheet at 450 oC or higher, elongation significantly increased and dissolution of the η′ phase occurred. η′ is the main hardening phase. After natural-aging, GPI, which is coherent with the aluminum matrix, was formed and strength increased. When bake hardening after natural-aging was performed, the yield strength slightly increased due to partial dissolution of the GPI and re-precipitation of the η′ phase. In contrast, after solution treatment at 400 oC, there was less elongation increase due to the precipitation of the coarse η phase at grain boundaries and low dissolution of the η′ phase. In addition, when bake hardening after natural-aging was performed, the yield strength decreased due to insufficient GPI, which is the nucleation site of the η′ phase. To promote reprecipitation of the η′ phase, the solution treatment temperature was set to a level that would increase solubility. As a result, the yield strength was significantly increased through re-precipitation of a large number of fine and uniform η′ phase. In addition, to increase the effect of dissolution, a pre-aging treatment was introduced and the bake hardenability can be improved after dissolution.