Formation mechanisms and evolution of precipitate-free zones at grain boundaries in an Al–Cu–Mg–Mn alloy during homogenisation
Source abstract
Abstract
Solute and vacancy depletion have long been investigated to reveal the formation mechanism of grain boundary precipitate-free zones (GB-PFZ) during ageing, yet there is no conclusive explanation due to the simultaneous appearance of the two in GB-PFZ. In this study, the evolution of GB-PFZs and solute distributions in the vicinity of grain boundaries (GBs) were studied during the homogenisation of an Al–Cu–Mg–Mn alloy using transmission electron microscopy, high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Results indicated that the evolution of GB-PFZ during homogenisation can be divided into the following three stages: Stage I, formation and recession of GB-PFZ; Stage II, absence of GB-PFZ, and Stage III, the reappearance and broadening of GB-PFZ. The results also revealed that the GB-PFZ in Stage I is totally devoid of solute depletion and its formation can be attributed to vacancy depletion alone. The GB-PFZ at Stage III solely caused by solute depletion and excludes vacancy depletion.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Aluminum Alloy Microstructure Properties · Metallurgy and Material Forming · Microstructure and mechanical properties
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