Improved Paint Baking Response of a Novel Al-Mg-Si Alloy Automotive Body Panels by Adding Zn Element and Pre-Ageing Matching

Abstract

In the present work, the microstructure and properties of a novel Al-0.92Mg-0.78Si alloy with adding Zn element were investigated by electron back scattering diffraction (EBSD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high transmission electron microscopy (HREM), mechanical properties tests and Erichsen test. The alloy sheet was cold-rolled to about 1mm, then solution treated at 545 °C for 30mins, and immediately water quenched. After solution treatment, the alloy was pre-aged at 140 °C for 10mins. The average grain size of the alloy was about 20μm. The yield stress and elongation of pre-aged alloy was 137MPa and 30% respectively. The IE value of the alloy was 8.6mm. After paint baking at 170 °C for 30mins, the increment of yield stress was about 100MPa. The GP(II) zones were formed in the alloy during paint baking process through adding Zn element, which should play a very important role for improving paint hardening response significantly. GP(II) zones and η ́ phases were formed after artificial ageing at 170 °C for 10h.