Microstructure and mechanical properties of a 5754 aluminum alloy modified by Sc and Zr additions

The effects of various heat treatments upon the microstructure and mechanical properties of a rolled 5754 aluminum alloy modified with 0.23 wt.% Sc and 0.22 wt.% Zr were investigated. Grain size, as well as precipitate size, type, and morphology were observed by optical and transmission electron microscopies. Two populations of the Al3Sc1−xZrx phase were present: (i) large incoherent precipitates formed during solidification and hot-rolling; and (ii) fine coherent precipitates formed from secondary precipitation, which improved alloy strength, as shown by hardness, tensile, and fatigue measurements. Aging, however, also produced two types of grain-boundary precipitates, Al6Mn and β-Al3Mg2, which contributed to poorer fatigue behavior and reduced ductility.