Abstract
The aging behavior and the strengthening mechanism of the Si microalloyed Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy was investigated by means of microhardness tests, tensile properties tests and transmission electron microscope. It was found that the addition of Si element enhanced the microhardness and strength of Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy after aging at 125 °C, 175 °C and 225 °C. The age hardening effect of Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy gradually deteriorates with the increase of aging temperature, while the age hardening effect of Si-containing Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy at different aging temperature are stable. TEM results shows that the intragranular microstructure of the Si microalloyed alloy contained a fine dispersed, lath-like precipitate. This lath-like precipitation phase significantly improves the strength of the alloy and exhibit thermal stability, it is considered to be the GPB-II zone.
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