Microstructural characterization of an Al–Cu–Mg alloy containing Fe and Ni

The microstructural characterization of the Al–2.24Cu–1.42Mg–0.9Fe–0.9Ni (wt%) alloy were studied using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and tensile tests. The results indicate that the microstructures of the as-cast alloy consist of α-Al matrix, Al/Al2CuMg eutectic structure, Al7Cu2Fe, Al7Cu4Ni and Al9FeNi compounds. After 16 h homogenization at 520 °C, the lamellar eutectic phases dissolved into the matrix, and the intermetallics containing Fe or Ni were remained in the microstructure.