Single-aging characteristics of 7055 aluminum alloy

The microstructures and properties of 7055 aluminum alloy were studied at different single-aging for up to 48 h using hardness test, tensile test, electrical conductivity measurement, XRD and TEM microstructure analysis. The results show that at the early stage of aging, the hardness and strength of the alloy increase rapidly, the peak hardness and strength are approached after 120 °C aging for 4 h, then maintained at a high level for a long time. The suitable single-aging treatment of 7055 alloy is 480 °C. 1 h solution treatment and water quenching, then aging at 120 °C for 24 h. Under those condition, the tensile strength, yield strength, elongation and electrical conductivity of the studied alloy are 513 MPa, 462 MPa, 9.5% and 29%(IACS), respectively. During aging, the solid solution decomposes and precipitation occurs. At the early aging stage of 120 °C, GP zones form and then grow up gradually with increasing ageing time. η' phase forms after ageing for 4 h and η phase starts to occur after 24 h aging.