| Abstract Scope |
The effect of Ag and Cu addition on clustering behavior of Al-Mg-Si alloys during natural aging (NA) and artificial aging (AA) was investigated by hardness measurement, tensile test and atom probe tomography analysis. The results show that both Ag and Cu atoms could enter clusters and GP-zones, change the Mg/Si ratio and increase their volume fractions. Compared with the A1 base alloy, the clusters in the Ag/Cu-added alloys more easily transform to β″ phases, and the strengthening ability of these particles is enhanced by the increased volume fraction and shear modulus. Cu is greater in improving the volume fraction of clusters and thus produces higher T4 temper hardness than Ag in NA condition, however, Ag is more effective in facilitating the formation and growth of particles leading to highest hardening response than Cu in AA condition. |