Synergetic effects of trace Sc/Zr/TiB <sub>2</sub> on recrystallization and strengthening behavior of Al–Mg alloys
Xin-Chen Li, Kai Zhao, Li-Yuan Yang, Enyu Guo, Huijun Kang, Yubo Zhang, Jingwei Xian, Feng Mao, Jiehua Li, Zongning Chen, Tong‐Min Wang
Abstract
Abstract The development of a new generation of high‐performance Al alloys, achieved through Sc/Zr‐modified Al–Mg‐based alloys, is attracting growing attention. However, the significant cost associated with Sc presents a barrier to further advancement. In this study, the inclusion of trace heterogeneous TiB 2 particles is employed to regulate the microstructural evolution process, thereby achieving high‐performance aluminum alloys with optimal strength‐ductility characteristics with minimal Sc addition. The ultimate tensile strength of Al–Mg‐Sc‐Zr‐TiB 2 alloy reached 442.4 MPa, with a elongation of 16.6%. The combined impact of TiB 2 particles and Al 3 (Sc,Zr) precipitates on the microstructure evolution of the Al–Mg alloy during hot deformation was investigated. It was observed that spherical Al 3 (Sc,Zr) precipitates with sizes ranging from 5 to 10 nm dispersed in the matrix, during the hot deformation process, functioned as Zener pinning sites for dislocations, thus increasing the proportion of low‐angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) and suppressing the dynamic recrystallization (DRX) process. The incorporation of trace TiB 2 particles induced the particle‐stimulated nucleation effect, accelerating DRX and refining the microstructure. The density of LAGBs further increased, and the proportion of continuous dynamic recrystallization also rose. Furthermore, the TiB 2 particles mitigated the anisotropy of material and inhibited DRX grain growth, thereby expanding the subsequent processing window and offering more potential applications for the materials. This study provides new insights into the production of high‐performance Al alloy products.