Effect of element cerium (Ce) on microstructure and mechanical properties of A1-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys has been investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential s...Effect of element cerium (Ce) on microstructure and mechanical properties of A1-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys has been investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and hardness test. The results show that addition of Ce can remarkably refine the as-cast grains and eutectic microstructure. A transformation from Mg(Zn,Cu,A1)2 phase to A12CuMg phase is observed during homogenization. Furthermore, the Ce addition introduces changes in the precipitation process and consequently in the age-hardening behavior of the alloy. Microstructural measurements reveal that the addition of Ce promotes the precipitation of η' phase, but it also partly retards the precipitation of GP zones. The density of precipitates decreases in a certain degree and rod-like η' precipitates increase when Ce content is from 0.2% to 0.4% (mass fraction).展开更多
基金Project(2010CB731706) supported by the National Basic Research Program of China
文摘Effect of element cerium (Ce) on microstructure and mechanical properties of A1-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys has been investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and hardness test. The results show that addition of Ce can remarkably refine the as-cast grains and eutectic microstructure. A transformation from Mg(Zn,Cu,A1)2 phase to A12CuMg phase is observed during homogenization. Furthermore, the Ce addition introduces changes in the precipitation process and consequently in the age-hardening behavior of the alloy. Microstructural measurements reveal that the addition of Ce promotes the precipitation of η' phase, but it also partly retards the precipitation of GP zones. The density of precipitates decreases in a certain degree and rod-like η' precipitates increase when Ce content is from 0.2% to 0.4% (mass fraction).