Investigation of Homogenization Process of the 5019 Alloy Extrusion Billets

Abstract

In the paper, the influence of homogenization parameters on the microstructure and properties of the 5019 alloy DC-cast billets was analysed. At the first stage, the microstructure of the alloy in as-cast state was investigated using SEM/EDS technique. Additionally, a DSC test and hardness measurements were performed. In the as-cast material, the presence of the dendritic microstructure with a pronounced microsegregation of magnesium in the dendrites cross-section was found. Subsequently, the specimens were subjected to laboratory homogenization experiments, with different soaking conditions and water quenching. The microstructural effects of the investigated variants of homogenization were evaluated using the same techniques as in the case of the as-cast alloy. It was found that after homogenization, with soaking at the temperature of 530 °C for 6 hours, the microsegregation is eliminated and the concentration of magnesium in the grains centres is over two times greater than in the dendrites cores before annealing. The solidus temperature rises by about 12 °C in comparison to the as-cast state. Neither extending the soaking time nor rising the temperature contributes to a further increase of the solidus temperature, or the magnesium concentration in the grains interiors. However, the tendency of dispersoids to grow and the change of Fe-bearing constituents chemical composition were observed after the high temperature, or prolonged annealing variants.