Nanoscale grain boundary precipitation with unique interfacial segregation for stabilizing aluminum 5083 alloy

In the present study, grain boundary (GB) precipitation behavior was investigated for aluminum (Al) 5083 alloys fabricated using a powder metallurgy approach. GB precipitates were observed for all processing conditions, but their chemistry, morphology, size, and distribution depend on the processing parameters. Notably, the addition of stearic acid during milling results in the formation of nanoscale GB precipitates, interfaces between which and Al matrix are strongly enriched with magnesium (Mg). A uniform distribution and a high number density of these nanoscale GB precipitates significantly improve the thermal stability of microstructure.