INFLUENCE OF SOLUTION HARDENING ON MICROSTRUCTURE AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF Al-2.5 Mg-0.7 Li ALLOY

摘要

Although utilization of lightweight aluminum alloys in transportation industry reduced harmful emissions and improves fuel economy, their further application is limited by low stiffness, low Young modulus and sensitivity to elevated temperatures. It was found that specific strength properties of aluminum alloys can be improved by Li additions. The beneficial effect is achieved by precipitation of hardening Al_3Li precipitate. The microstructural and mechanical properties of Al-2.5 Mg-0.7 Li alloy were investigated in as cast and solution hardened condition. The microstructure constituents and thermo-mechanical properties for both conditions were determined and compared.