Recovery of the mechanical properties on the Al-4wt%Cu alloy

The recovery of the mechanical properties on the Al-4%wtCu alloy was investigated by indentation after cold rolling. The microstructural evolution was performed using optical and scanning electron microscopies. The annealing at 200 deg. C of the quenched and rolled alloy gives higher mechanical qualities. At temperatures up to 200 deg. C, the alloy has no softening by recovery, but on the contrary a hardening behaviour was observed. This later is attributed to the presence of the intermediate θ'' and θ' phases. Nevertheless, the ageing in high temperature product the coalescence of iron particles and of Al2Cu precipitates. These phases are essentially localized in the grain boundaries, which caused the damage of the alloy.