Abstract
Microalloying Zn in 6xxxAl (Al–Mg–Si) alloys and their composites can hardly form precipitates during artificial aging (AA) at 170 °C, so exhibits weak hardening abilities. In this study, a low-temperature AA at 120 °C was introduced after 170 °C AA to exploit the hardening potential of Zn. A 17 vol.% silicon carbide particles (SiCp) reinforced Al-1.2Mg-0.6Si-1.0Zn (wt.%) composite was used to inspect the effectiveness of the two-stage AA process. It is shown that AA at 120 °C can further improve the hardness based on the highest hardness during 170 °C AA. The increase in hardness during AA at 120 °C is mainly attributed to the precipitation of Zn. Interestingly, Zn neither independently forms precipitates nor forms new phases. The precipitation form of Zn is to segregate into dislocation-induced and discrete precipitates formed during AA at 170 °C. This study is expected to provide new ideas to harden SiCp/6xxxAl composites by composition design and AA process control.
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