Effect of annealing on microstructure and properties of twin-roll-cast Al–Mn alloys with different copper content

Abstract

Abstract Aluminium – manganese foils are used as fins in heat exchangers. Twin-roll casting reduces energy consumption, thus it is an environment-friendly casting procedure for these materials. Composition and processing variations affect foil properties and their optimization is a primary development goal. The results of a study of microstructure transformations occurring during the annealing of twin-roll-cast aluminium – manganese alloys with different copper content are reported and discussed. Microstructure and property evolution was monitored by resistometric measurements at – 196 °C during a slow stepwise heating up to 600 °C, microstructural analysis and hardness measurements. The copper content does not impact phase transformations but slightly modifies softening evolution with annealing temperature. Due to solid solution hardening, increasing copper content results in increased alloy hardness.