TEM study of β′ precipitate interaction mechanisms with dislocations and β′ interfaces with the aluminium matrix in Al–Mg–Si alloys

The interaction mechanisms between dislocations and semi-coherent, needle-shaped β′ precipitates in Al–Mg–Si alloys have been studied by High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). Dislocation loops appearing as broad contrast rings around the precipitate cross-sections were identified in the Al matrix. A size dependency of the interaction mechanism was observed; the precipitates were sheared when the longest dimension of their cross-section was shorter than approximately 15 nm, and looped otherwise. A more narrow ring located between the Al matrix and bulk β′ indicates the presence of a transition interface layer. Together with the bulk β′ structure, this was further investigated by High Angle Annular Dark Field Scanning TEM (HAADF-STEM). In the bulk β′ a higher intensity could be correlated with a third of the Si-columns, as predicted from the published structure. The transition layer incorporates Si columns in the same arrangement as in bulk β′, although it is structurally distinct from it. The Z-contrast information and arrangement of these Si-columns demonstrate that they are an extension of the Si-network known to structurally connect all the precipitate phases in the Al–Mg–Si(–Cu) system. The width of the interface layer was estimated to about 1 nm.

► β′ is found to be looped at sizes larger than 15 nm (cross section diameter). ► β′ is found to be sheared at sizes smaller than 15 nm (cross section diameter). ► The recently determined crystal structure of β′ is confirmed by HAADF-STEM. ► Between β′ and the Al-matrix a transition layer of about 1 nm is existent. ► The β′/matrix layer is structurally distinct from bulk β′ and the aluminium matrix.