Study on microstructure and mechanical properties of Al–Mg–Si–Cu alloy with high manganese content

Highlights: ► We examine the precipitates by HRTEM in the high manganese Al–Mg–Si–Cu alloy. ► Manganese content determines amount of secondary phases after homogenization. ► Increasing magnesium content promotes to precipitate S phase. ► Yield strength of the new alloy is 52–65% higher than that of commercial 6061 alloy. ► Uniform distribution of Mn dispersoids encourages to enhance mechanical properties. -- Abstract: The microstructure and mechanical properties of Al–Mg–Si–Cu alloy with high manganese content were studied in the present work to develop a new alloy. The microstructure features were quantificationally determined by a combination of scanning electron microscope and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The dominant strengthening precipitates comprising the needle-shaped pre-β″(or β″) and lath-shaped Q′ phases were identified in the T6 temper. With the increase of magnesium content, S phase was promoted to precipitate to give an enhancement in strength. The yield strength of the examined alloys with high manganese content was found to be about 52–65% higher than that of commercial 6061 alloy. It was considered that, in addition to the strengthening precipitates, Mn dispersoids generating the dispersion hardening effect and the homogeneous deformation contributed a lot to the favorable mechanical properties.