The microstructure evolution of an Al–Mg–Si–Mn–Cu–Ce alloy during homogenization

The microstructure evolution in an Al–Mg–Si–Mn–Cu–Ce alloy during homogenization was investigated by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy techniques in this paper. The purpose is to study the transformation of coarse intermetallic phases and the precipitation process of dispersoids. The results show that the phase constituents in the as-cast microstructure are Al(MnFe)3Si2, AlCuMgSi, AlCuSiCe, and ternary eutectic α-Al + AlCuMgSi +Si. After homogenization (3 h at 470 °C), the low melting point phase (AlCuMgSi) and ternary eutectic phase (α-Al + AlCuMgSi + Si) were almost completely dissolved. The obvious dissolution of the Al(MnFe)3Si2 phase started at 570 °C. Long-time heat treatment impels Mn to substitute for Fe in this phase. Because of the low solid solubility of Ce in Al-matrix, enrichment of the Ce was observed in the resulting AlCuSiCe particles after homogenization. Otherwise many dispersoid particles containing Mn precipitated during homogenization. The uniformity of dispersoid distribution is mostly dependent on the diffusion rate of Si through Al-matrix. A lot of Q phases were also discovered in this alloy after furnace cooling due to the effect of Cu on the precipitation process.