On the Guinier-Preston zones in selective laser melted AlSi10Mg alloy

Abstract

The strength of selective laser melted (SLM) AlSi10Mg alloy is usually higher than that of cast or heat-treated counterparts. Here we report that Guinier-Preston (GP) zones, needle-like and spheroidal Si-enriched particles, were presented in the SLM AlSi10Mg alloy, which contributed to the high strength as well as the high-density dislocations. The GP zones in the matrix were 1−2 atom layers thick along (111) planes and sized ∼4−10 nm. Dislocations and lattice strain were found adjacent to the GP zones by geometric phase analysis. These GP zones could be further utilized to optimize the strength of SLM aluminum alloy.