The rapid age strengthening induced by Ag additions in 7075 aluminum alloy

• The alloys with different Ag contents were studied in the 7075 Al alloy.
• Ag additions can remarkably accelerate the precipitation process in the 7075 Al alloy.
• The strength and ductility are both improved in the 7075 Al alloy with Ag additions.

The trace amount of Ag (0.4 wt% Ag) addition can remarkably accelerate the precipitation (the aging time reduced by 50%) in 7075 Al alloy, and the strength of the alloy with 0.4 wt% Ag is also improved, which is attributed to the large amount of Mg–Ag clusters.