• Transactions of Materials Processing
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.5-15
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• 2021

The effects of heat treatments (T6 and T73) on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and high cycle fatigue behavior of modified AA7075 alloys were investigated. A modified 7075 alloy was manufactured using modified-Mg (Mg-Al2Ca) instead of the conventional element Mg. Based on the microstructure, the average grain size was 4.5 ㎛ (T6) and 5.2 ㎛ (T73). Regardless of heat treatment, the modified AA7075 alloys consisted of Al matrix containing homogeneously distributed Al2CuMg and MgZn2 phases with reduced Fe-intermetallic compound. Room temperature tensile tests showed that the properties of modified 7075-T6 (Y.S.: 622MPa, T.S: 675MPa, elongation: 15.4%) were superior to those of T73 alloy (Y.S.: 492MPa, T.S: 548MPa, elongation: 12.8%). Experimental data show that the fatigue life of T6 was 400 MPa, about 64% of its yield strength. However, the fatigue life of T73 alloy was 330 MPa and 67%. Irrespective of the stress level, all crack initiation points were located on the specimen surface, and no inclusions acting as stress concentrators were seen. Superior mechanical properties and high cycle fatigue behavior of modified AA7075-T6 alloy are attributed to the fine grains and homogeneous distribution of small second phases such as MgZn2 and Al2CuMg, in addition to reduced Fe-intermetallic compounds.

• Archives of Metallurgy and Materials
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• v.66 no.3
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• pp.783-787
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• 2021

This study suggests a new way to modify the size and morphology of Al-Fe phases in modified AA 7075 by using an Fe-Mn solid solution powder as the precursor. When Fe and Mn are added in the form of a solid solution, the diffusion of Fe and Mn toward the Al is delayed, thus altering the chemical composition and morphology of the precipitates. The fine, spherical precipitates are found to provide a good balance between strength and ductility compared to the case where Fe and Mn are separately added.