Microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of as-cast and T6-treated AA2195 DC cast alloy

The use of direct chill (DC) cast ingot plates of AA2195 alloys has been recently extended for large mold applications in the plastics and automotive industries. The microstructural evolution of the as-cast AA2195 alloy was investigated using the Factsage thermodynamic software under both equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions, and was compared with the results from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis and microstructural observations. The as-cast microstructure exhibited the presence of Al2CuMg, Al2Cu and Al2CuLi intermetallic phases formed at the aluminum dendrite boundaries, which can be completely dissolved in the α-Al matrix during the solution treatment. A significant improvement in the mechanical properties of the AA2195 cast alloy after the T6 heat treatment is attributed to the formation of nano-scale θ′ (Al2Cu) and T1 (Al2CuLi) precipitates. However, the non-uniform distribution of T1 precipitates together with the large size and low density indicate that the role of θ′ precipitates in strengthening the AA2195 cast alloy is more dominant than that of the T1 precipitates, in contrast with the strengthening mechanism of the pre-deformed AA2195-T8 rolled products.