Study on microstructure and mechanical properties of Al–Mg–Si–Cu alloy with high manganese content

The microstructure and mechanical properties of Al–Mg–Si–Cu alloy with high manganese content were studied in the present work to develop a new alloy. The microstructure features were quantificationally determined by a combination of scanning electron microscope and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The dominant strengthening precipitates comprising the needle-shaped pre-β″(or β″) and lath-shaped Q′ phases were identified in the T6 temper. With the increase of magnesium content, S phase was promoted to precipitate to give an enhancement in strength. The yield strength of the examined alloys with high manganese content was found to be about 52–65% higher than that of commercial 6061 alloy. It was considered that, in addition to the strengthening precipitates, Mn dispersoids generating the dispersion hardening effect and the homogeneous deformation contributed a lot to the favorable mechanical properties.