Effect Mechanism of Sc Addition and T6 Heat Treatment on Precipitated Phase and Mechanical Properties of Al‐Cu‐Mn Alloy

Abstract

The microstructure and mechanical properties of cast Al‐Cu‐Mn alloy influenced by various Sc additions (viz. 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 wt%) are investigated. It is found that the grain size of α‐Al and the area proportion of the second phase are decreased with the addition of Sc. In addition, the morphology of the precipitated phase in Al‐Cu‐Mn alloy also evolves at different stages, and the solidification temperature range and initial enthalpy change of the alloy are changed, resulting in the formation of a variety of second‐phase containing Sc. Owing to the grain refinement and precipitation strengthening effects, the hardness of as‐cast alloys is better than T6 alloys. Moreover, it is observed that when the Sc content is 0.3%, the mechanical properties of the as‐cast Al‐Cu‐Mn alloy are the minimum, and the Al‐Cu‐Mn alloys after T6 heat treatment are the maximum. These results confirm that the mechanical properties improvement effect of the as‐cast Al‐Cu‐Mn alloy is greater than that of the T6 heat treatment Al‐Cu‐Mn alloy with the addition of Sc. Meanwhile, the Orowan strengthening mechanism is found to have lost its dominant position.