Influence of Mg content on quench sensitivity of Al–Zn–Mg–Cu aluminum alloys

Abstract

The influence of Mg content on quench sensitivity of Al–8.0Zn– x(=1.0–2.0)Mg–1.6Cu alloys was investigated by an end-quenching test method. The depths of age hardening layer referenced to hardness retention values (e.g., 90%) of the end-quenched samples were used to describe the quench sensitivity. The results showed that the depths of age hardening layer decreased with increase of Mg content. The amount of the equilibrium-state MgZn 2 ( η) particles was the primary factor that determined the depths of age hardening layer. The η particles underwent two precipitation processes successively with decrease of cooling rate during quenching: precipitation on grain boundaries and precipitation inside the grains. The precipitation temperature peaks rose, and the ranges of the temperatures are extended with the increase of Mg content. A preliminary prediction has been made for the initial precipitation temperatures and the temperature peaks satisfying linear relation with Mg content (wt.%).