Influence of minor Zr and Ti on microstructures and properties of Al–8·6Zn–2·5Mg–2·2Cu alloys

Abstract

The effect of minor Zr and Ti elements on microstructures and properties of Al–8·6Zn–2·5Mg–2·2Cu alloys was investigated. The results show that there is no significant change in the grain size by simultaneous addition of Zr and Ti as compared to individual additions of Zr or Ti to Al–8·6Zn–2·5Mg–2·2Cu alloy. The ability of restraining recrystallisation of Al–8·6Zn–2·5Mg–2·2Cu–0·16Zr–0·04Ti alloy is weaker than that of alloy Al–8·6Zn–2·5Mg–2·2Cu–0·16Zr alloy, since Ti and Zr have a poisoning interaction. The corresponding tensile properties, hardness and stress corrosion cracking resistance of the Al–8·6Zn–2·5Mg–2·2Cu–0·16Zr alloy were decreased by addition of Ti.