Mechanical analyzes and microstructural characterization of aluminum alloys AlMgZnSiCu produced by Spray Forming

Full text: Aluminium is the most used non-ferrous metal in the world, whose applications vary from the sector of domestic utensils to more competitive sectors such as automotive and aeronautics. The aeronautical sector is where the 7XXX alloy is more used, due to its resistance and because it allows mechanical conformation and thermal treatments that elevate their properties to similar levels of some steels, however with a density almost three times lower. Moreover, it is the most used alloy in aeronautical industries since the 1970s. Aeronautical alloys are the mostly thermally treatable and hardened by the precipitation process, which gives the material a good mechanical resistance with a low density, designating a great potential in using AlMgZnSiCu alloy in engineering projects. This alloy, that can be considered a variable of the 7XXX alloys, in conjunction with the present alloying elements (Mg, Zn, Si, and Cu) has desirable precipitation of Mg₂Si, which is of great importance when finely dispersed in the metal matrix. In addition, 7XXX family alloys have a great potential for use and research in the national scope, once Brazil has the third largest bauxite reserve in the world. In this context, microstructural characterizations were carried out, using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) of AlMgZnSiCu alloy produced by Spray Forming was performed, with and without mechanical conformation, followed by solubilization and artificial aging T6. The present phases were observed through X-ray diffraction (XRD). The morphology obtained for the present phase Mg₂Si showed benefits on the mechanical properties of AlMgZnSiCu alloy. In addition, the conformation was shown to be very effective in pore reduction. Comparisons were made using one of the most used alloys in the aeronautical industry, the 7075 aluminum alloy, produced by conventional processes. (author)