Effects of extrusion parameters and post-heat treatments on microstructures and mechanical properties of extrusion weld seams in 2195 Al-Li alloy profiles

Abstract

To obtain profiles with sound weld seams, the effects of extrusion parameters and heat treatment on microstructures and mechanical properties of the weld seam were revealed. It was found that the high extrusion speed increases the mechanical properties and welding quality of the welding area. The micro-voids formed in low temperature and low extrusion speed could hinder the grains from growing through the welding interface during heat treatment, which caused weak bonding of the weld seam. Lots of strengthening phases precipitated during aging treatment, which leads to the disappearance of the softened welding area and the improvement of tensile strength. However, the fine grains of welding area translated to coarse grains quickly during solution treatment, and the precipitated phases coarsened and the precipitation free zone (PFZ) widened when the aging time is excessive, above reasons result in the layered fracture of welding area and poor elongation. Tensile strength and elongation were improved simultaneously because of the fine grain boundary precipitates, narrow PFZ and fine homogeneous T1 phases formed in under-aged (UA) treatment. The weld seam obtained by high extrusion speed shows a fine combination of ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elongation after UA treatment.