Evolution of precipitation during different homogenization treatments in a 3003 aluminum alloy

The evolution of the precipitation of second phase particles dispersed in a DC cast 3003 aluminum alloy during different homogenization treatments was investigated. Fight kinds of homogenization conditions were designed. We conclude that the evolution of precipitated dispersed particles during homogenization is controlled by nucleation, growth, Ostwald ripening process and hetero-precipitation. Nucleation of the particles would occur first during the initial phase of homogenization. They would then undergo a process of growth, dissolution and coarsening, before reaching the final state of precipitation. Two-color particles usually appear at step-homogenization, which has a lower later temperature, 600 degrees C x 9 h -> 460 degrees C x 3 h, due to a hetero-precipitation behavior. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.