Two types of S phase precipitates in Al-Cu-Mg alloys

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Description/Abstract

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) have been used to study S phase precipitation in an Al-4.2Cu-1.5Mg-0.6Mn-0.5Si (AA2024) and an Al-4.2Cu-1.5Mg-0.6Mn-0.08Si (AA2324) (wt-%) alloy. In DSC experiments on as solution treated samples two distinct exothermic peaks are observed in the range 250 to 350°C, whereas only one peak is observed in solution treated and subsequently stretched or cold worked samples. Samples heated to 270°C and 400°C at a rate of 10°C/min in the DSC have been studied by TEM. The selected area diffraction patterns show that S phase precipitates with the classic orientation relationship form during the lower temperature peak, and for the solution treated samples, the higher temperature peak is caused by the formation of a second type of S phase precipitates which have an orientation relationship that is rotated by ~4 degrees to the classic one. The effects of Si and cold work on the formation of second type of S precipitates have been discussed.