Microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of cast Al-2Li-2Cu-0.5Mg-0.2Zr alloy during heat treatment

The microstructure, electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of cast Al-2Li-2Cu-0.5Mg-0.2Zr alloy during heat treatment were investigated. The results indicated that a population of secondary phases enriched along grain boundaries in as-cast studied alloy, most of which dissolved into the α-Al matrix after solution treatment. Profound enhancement in mechanical properties of the studied alloy was obtained after T6 heat treatment. TEM observations revealed competitive precipitation of T1 (Al2CuLi) and S′ (Al2CuMg) phases during ageing, while no θ′ (Al2Cu) phase was observed. The anomalous decrease in conductivity observed during ageing was attributed to the precipitation of T1 phases. Fine δ′ (Al3Li) particles were homogeneously distributed after quenching, gradual coarsening of which was observed with prolonged ageing time. As ageing proceeded, the δ′ coarsened and δ′-Precipitate-Free Zones (PFZs) developed, resulting in diminishing ductility observed from as-quenched to peak-aged state. Precipitation and continuous coarsening of T1 phases kept on at the expense of gradual δ′ dissolution. The improvements of ductility observed in over-aged samples arose mainly from the presence of T1, S′ phases, Al3(Li,Zr) composite precipitates and progressive δ′ dissolution. Moreover, continuous coarsening of T1 and S′ phases contributed primarily to the strength loss in over-aged studied alloy.