Measurement Of Interfacial Segregation In Aluminum-Magnesium Alloys Using A Feg-Tem And Eds

Abstract Aluminum-magnesium alloys are currently being utilized in lightweight automotive components and their good strength and weldability characteristics has made them candidates for increased use. The primary problem with using aluminum alloys for automotive applications is their relatively low formability. Superplastic forming (SPF) is a viable method for producing high elongations and is enabled in these alloys by the manipulation of intermetallic particles (e.g. Al3Sc) that restrict grain growth at the high homologous temperatures necessary for this technique [1]. SPF of Al-Mg-Mn-Sc alloy has yielded elongations of over 600% [2]. However, Al3Sc particles age rapidly at high temperatures which can reduce their strengthening characteristics following deformation. It has been experimentally observed that the addition of Zr to Al-Sc alloys retards the aging of the Al3Sc precipitates [3]. This is beneficial for high temperature conditions like superplastic forming and welding. In this study we examine the location of Zr in the strupturc and how it may be inhibiting particle aging.