Analysis of the Solid Solution Microstructure of (HF) Al-Zn Alloys

Abstract

Rapidly solidified Al-Zn alloys with Zn contents ranging up to 50 wt.% were made under vacuum, by high-frequency (HF) induction melting, from compacted mixture targets of Al and Zn of fine (99.99 % purity) elemental powders. The microstructural characteristics and strengthening mechanisms were investigated. The crystallographic microstructures were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses and optical microscopy observations as well as Vickers microhardness testing. Detailed overviews of alloying solubility of zinc in aluminium were given. Extensive solid solutions of CFC Al were found in the (HF) Al-Zn alloys, and a higher Vickers microhardnesses compared to that of pure (HF) aluminium.