Development of Al–Mn–Mg 3004 alloy for applications at elevated temperature via dispersoid strengthening

• Published in: Materials & design 2015-11, Vol.84, p.340-350
• Main Authors: Liu, K., Chen, X.-G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alloy development; Aluminum base alloys; Al–Mn–Mg 3004 alloy; Creep resistance; Creep strength; Design engineering; Dispersions; Dispersoid strengthening; Elevated temperature applications; High temperature; Precipitation; Precipitation treatment; Thermal stability; Yield strength
• ISSN: 0264-1275; 1873-4197
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2015.06.140

In this study, the potential applications of Al–Mn–Mg 3004 alloy at elevated temperature have been evaluated through the systematic study of the precipitation behavior of α-Al(MnFe)Si dispersoids and their effect on material properties during precipitation treatment and long-term thermal holding. The results demonstrate a significant dispersion strengthening effect caused by the precipitation of fine uniformly distributed dispersoids during precipitation treatment. The peak compression yield strength (YS) at 300°C of the experimental 3004 alloy can reach as high as 78MPa due to a large volume fraction (~2.95vol.%) of α-Al(MnFe)Si dispersoids. The dispersoids are found to be thermally stable at 300°C for up to 1000h of holding, leading to consistently high mechanical performance and creep resistance. The superior and stable YS and creep resistance at 300°C enables the 3004 alloy to be applied to weight-sensitive applications at elevated temperatures. [Display omitted] •Significant strengthening of α-Al(MnFe)Si dispersoids during heat treatment is observed.•Remarkable contribution of dispersoids on strength and creep resistance at 300°C is present.•High thermal stability of dispersoids during long-term high temperature holding is discovered.•Potential applications of 3004 alloy at elevated temperature are explored.