Effect of Plastic Deformation on a Dispersion of Omega-Phase and Mechanical Properties of an Al-Cu-Mg-Ag Alloy

Abstract

Effect of cold rolling prior to ageing on a dispersion of secondary phases and mechanical properties at room temperature for an Al-5.6Cu-0.72Mg-0.5Ag-0.32Mn-0.17Sc-0.12Zr (wt. %) alloy, which was solution treated and water quenched initially, was examined. It was shown that cold working leads to significant increase in density of lattice dislocations that induces the formation discrete agglomerates of the θ′-phase on the {100} planes. Strain of 7% provided increased aspect ratio (length to thickness) of plates that leads to moderate increase of strength. Imposing of higher strains leads to increased lattice dislocation density and the formation of deformation-induced boundaries. Precipitation of the coarse particles of secondary phases on these boundaries takes place. The high yield stress (YS) of 535 MPa and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 570 MPa, were attained after cold rolling with a reduction of 80% followed by ageing at 190°C for 2 h. The effect of plastic deformation prior to ageing on the precipitation behavior and strengthening of Al-Cu-Mg-Ag alloy is discussed.