Microstructure and texture development of 7075 alloy during homogenisation

The microstructure evolution of Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy during homogenisation was studied by optical microscope, field emission scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction in detailed. It has been found that primary cast structure consisted of primary α (Al), lamellar eutectic structure η Mg(Zn, Cu, Al)₂ and a small amount of θ (Al₂Cu) phase. A transformation of primary eutectic phase from η Mg(Zn, Cu, Al)₂ to S (Al₂CuMg) was observed after 6 h of homogenisation treatment. The volume fraction of dendrite network structure and intermetallic phase was decreased with increase in holding time and finally disappeared after 96 h of homogenisation, which is consistent with the results of homogenisation kinetic analysis. Crystallographic texture of this alloy after casting and 96 h of homogenisation was also studied. It was found that casting process led the development of strong Goss, Brass, P and CuT components, while after homogenisation Cube, S and Copper components became predominant. Mechanical tests revealed higher hardness, yield strength and tensile strength for cast materials compared to homogenised alloys due to the presence of coarse micro-segregation of MgZn₂ phase. The significant improvement of ductility was observed after 96-h homogenisation, which was attributed to dissolution of second phase particles and grain coarsening. Fracture surfaces of the cast samples indicated the presence of shrinkage porosity and consequently failure occurred in the interdendritic regions or grain boundaries with brittle mode, while homogenised alloys failed under ductile mode as evident by the presence of fine dimple surfaces.