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Journal of Materials Science

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18-05-2016 | Original Paper

Formation mechanisms and evolution of precipitate-free zones at grain boundaries in an Al–Cu–Mg–Mn alloy during homogenisation

Authors: Y. Q. Chen, S. P. Pan, S. W. Tang, W. H. Liu, C. P. Tang, F. Y. Xu

Published in: Journal of Materials Science | Issue 16/2016

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Abstract

Solute and vacancy depletion have long been investigated to reveal the formation mechanism of grain boundary precipitate-free zones (GB-PFZ) during ageing, yet there is no conclusive explanation due to the simultaneous appearance of the two in GB-PFZ. In this study, the evolution of GB-PFZs and solute distributions in the vicinity of grain boundaries (GBs) were studied during the homogenisation of an Al–Cu–Mg–Mn alloy using transmission electron microscopy, high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Results indicated that the evolution of GB-PFZ during homogenisation can be divided into the following three stages: Stage I, formation and recession of GB-PFZ; Stage II, absence of GB-PFZ, and Stage III, the reappearance and broadening of GB-PFZ. The results also revealed that the GB-PFZ in Stage I is totally devoid of solute depletion and its formation can be attributed to vacancy depletion alone. The GB-PFZ at Stage III solely caused by solute depletion and excludes vacancy depletion.

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Title: Formation mechanisms and evolution of precipitate-free zones at grain boundaries in an Al–Cu–Mg–Mn alloy during homogenisation
Authors: Y. Q. Chen
S. P. Pan
S. W. Tang
W. H. Liu
C. P. Tang
F. Y. Xu
Publication date: 18-05-2016
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Materials Science / Issue 16/2016
Print ISSN: 0022-2461
Electronic ISSN: 1573-4803
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-016-0062-x

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