Microstructure evolution induced by the intrinsic heat treatment occurring during wire-arc additive manufacturing of an Al-Mg-Zn-Cu crossover alloy

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Authors

External Organisational units

  • LKR Leichtmetallkompetenzzentrum Ranshofen GmbH
  • Institute of Coastal Research

Abstract

The implementation of wire-arc additive manufacturing for fabricating complex structures requires detailed knowledge of process-structure-property relationships. Results of scanning electron microscopy, wide-angle X-ray scattering, small-angle X-ray scattering, and microhardness measurements are presented to identify the mechanisms that govern the microstructure formation of an Al-Mg-Zn-Cu crossover alloy during wire-arc additive manufacturing. These analyses provide evidence on the formation of Mg-, Zn- and Cu-rich phases on different length scales spanning from ~10 µm (microsegregations), down to a few nm (bulk) following the intrinsic heat treatment. Future alloy concepts should build on the presented findings.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number130500
Number of pages4
JournalMaterials letters
Volume303.2021
Issue number15 November
Early online date19 Jul 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Nov 2021