Energy Efficient Technology for Al-Cu-Mn-Zr Sheet Alloys

The possibility of using alloys of the Al-Cu-Mn-Zr system for obtaining cold rolled sheets directly from cast billets (without homogenization) was investigated. The experimental (SEM, 'IEM, DSC, mechanical tests, etc.) study and Thermo-Calc software simulation were used for alloy composition optimization. It was shown that optimal structure could be developed in alloys of the following compositional range: 1-2% Cu, 1-2% Mn and 0.2-0.6% Zr. The proposed range of compositions can be recommended for development of new aluminium wrought alloys, which will have two main advantages compared with the commercial alloys of the AA2219 type: i) high tolerance to heating up to 300 degrees C because of the high amount of Al3Zr and Al20Cu2Mn dispersoids; ii) energy efficient processing, in particular due to the elimination of homogenization, solution treatment and quenching.