Authors: X M Li M J Starink
Publish Date: 2011/05/17
Volume: 21, Issue: 6, Pages: 977-984
Abstract
This article investigates the phase transitions of complex quaternary AlZnMgCu alloys with Zr addition at overaged conditions Differential scanning calorimetry DSC is employed to quantitatively analyze the phase transformation phenomena of a wide range of 7xxx series alloys through endothermic and exothermic reactions The DSC observations detailing heat effect peaks and thermal parameters of η′ dissolution contain valuable information on the presence of equilibrium phases and the optimum alloying element contents Based on DSC experimental data and phase diagrams the balance of critical properties such as strength and electrical conductivity of AlZnCuMg 7xxx series alloys has been studied by considering the formation dissolution and incipient melting of S and T phase dissolution of η′ phase as well as the formation of η phase Nine AlZnMgCu alloys have been studied through microstructural examination and detailed DSC analysis The correlation between the properties and the DSC data of the selected alloys has been analyzedThe financial support from Southampton University UK and British Aluminium Plate Birmingham UK is gratefully acknowledged The experimental alloys were produced and the tests of yield strength and electrical conductivity of the alloys were performed at QinetiQ Farnborough UK Their technical support for this work is gratefully acknowledged
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