Effect of processing parameters on quench sensitivity of an AA7050 sheet

Secondary precipitation takes place in alloy 7050 during slow quenching after solution and results in a significantly decreased content of Mg, Zn elements. Optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) study showed the distribution of Al3Zr particles plays a vital role in quenching process. The equilibrium eta phases mainly precipitate at Al3Zr particles within the recrystallized grains and other high energy areas (primarily grain boundaries). The influence of the processing (homogenization, hot rolling and solution) parameter on the quench sensitivity is also investigated by mechanical property examination (T6 temper). A ramping heat homogenization, controlled hot rolling (67% rolling reduction and 3-5 s(-1) deformation rate) and two-stage solution treatment result in lesser recrystallization and fewer high angle grain boundaries, and lower the boundary angles within sub-structures. The decreasing number of heterogeneous precipitation sites endows the study alloy with good quenching sensitivity and better mechanical properties. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.