Effect of Zr content on quench sensitivity of AIZnMgCu alloys

The effect of Zr content on quench sensitivity of AIZnMgCu alloys was investigated by mechanical properties testing and microstructure observations. The results show that with the increase of Zr the quench sensitivity relative to hardness and strength increases, while that relative to elongation decreases. From hardness and strength viewpoints, the low quench sensitivity is observed for the Zr-free and 0.05% Zr-containing alloys, which is quite quench sensitive from the ductility viewpoint. The largest quench sensitivity relative to hardness and strength is observed for 0.1% Zr-containing alloy, this is mainly due to large amount of high angle grain boundaries and incoherent Al3Zr dispersoids caused by recrystallization, which may efficiently promote heterogeneous precipitation during air quenching. More than 0.05% Zr can significantly decrease the quench sensitivity relative to ductility, which can be primarily attributed to recrystallization inhibiting and grain refining effects of Zr.