A study on the re-solution heat treatment of AA 2618 aluminum alloy

Abstract

In the present study, the effects of re-solution treatment of AA2618 aluminum alloy has been investigated. Solution heat treatments of 520-640 degrees C for 14-24 h were applied followed by artificial aging. Characterization studies that were carried out by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy techniques showed that recrystallisation was not observed by solution treatment at 530 degrees C whereas it did occur as the solution treatment and the duration time were increased above 530 degrees C. Increasing the solution treatment temperature further coarsened both the grains and the precipitates, resulting in significant reduction in hardness. Al9FeNi-type intermetallics are not completely dissolved by these solution treatments. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.