Influence of Solution Heat Treatment on Structure and Mechanical Properties of ZnAl22Cu3 Alloy

• Main Authors: Michalik R., Chmiela B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Polish Academy of Sciences 2016-09-01
• Series: Archives of Metallurgy and Materials
• Subjects: heat treatment; mechanical properties; structure; ZnAl22Cu3 alloy
• Online Access: http://www.degruyter.com/view/j/amm.2016.61.issue-3/amm-2016-0258/amm-2016-0258.xml?format=INT
• ISSN: 2300-1909

The influence of solution heat treatment at 385°C over 10 h with cooling in water on the structure, hardness and strength of the ZnAl22Cu3 eutectoid alloy is presented in the paper. The eutectoid ZnAl22Cu3 alloy is characterized by a dendritic structure. Dendrites are composed of a supersaturated solid solution of Al in Zn. In the interdendritic spaces a eutectoid mixture is present, with an absence of the ε (CuZn4) phase. Solution heat treatment of the ZnAl22Cu3 alloy causes the occurrence of precipitates rich in Zn and Cu, possibly ε phase. Solution heat treatment at 385°C initially causes a significant decrease of the alloy hardness, although longer solution heat treatment causes a significant increase of the hardness as compared to the as-cast alloy.