Enhancing the strength and sensitization resistance of 5xxx alloys via nanoscale clustering induced by room-temperature cyclic plasticity

Abstract

Non-heat-treatable 5xxx Al alloys exhibit good corrosion resistance but can be susceptible to intergranular corrosion in service. This study applies a cyclic strengthening method to the AA5083 alloy, resulting in a significant increase in yield strength (∼300 MPa) and tensile strength (∼385 MPa) due to the formation of Mg-Al solute clusters confirmed by scanning transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography. After a two-month sensitization treatment at 70 °C, the clusters delay the formation of Mg-rich precipitates at grain boundaries, enhancing the resistance to sensitization. This new approach strengthens Al-Mg alloys and offers potential for manipulating the corrosion resistance and sensitization susceptibility.