Coupled Precipitation of Dual-Nanoprecipitates to Optimize Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of Cast Al–Cu–Mg–Mn Alloys via Modulating the Mn Contents

Abstract

The effect of Mn content on the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of Al–Cu–Mg–x Mn alloys at ambient temperature was investigated. The findings show that in the Mn-containing alloys at the as-cast state, the blocky primary T(Al20Cu2Mn3) phase coexisting with the Al2Cu phase appeared. With the increase in Mn content, the majority of the Al2Cu phase dissolved, nd a minor amount of the T phase remained at the grain boundary after solution treatment. The rod-like TMn (Al20Cu2Mn3) nanoprecipitate was simultaneously distributed at grain boundaries and the interiors, while a high density of needle-like θ″ (Al3Cu) nanoprecipitate was also observed in the T6 state. Further increases in Mn content promoted the dispersion of the TMn phase and inhibited the growth and transformation of the θ″ phase. Tensile test results show that 0.7 wt.% Mn alloy had excellent mechanical properties at ambient temperature with ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and fracture elongation of 498.7 MPa, 346.2 MPa, and 19.2%, respectively. The subsequent calculation of strengthening mechanisms elucidates that precipitation strengthening is the main reason for the increase in yield strength of Mn-containing alloys.