A calorimetric study of the microstructures of a thermomechanically processed Al-10.0% Mg-0.1% Zr alloy.

Abstract

DifTerential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to investigate microstructure evolution in a high-magnesium aluminum-magnesium alloy, Al-10.0% Mg-0.1% Zr, which had been thermomechanically processed. The two variations of the thermomechanical processing (TMP) investigated resulted in an extremely fine grain size, one the preconditions for superplastic deformation. The DSC results were consistent with previous research indicating continuous recrystallization occurs during annealing and deformation at relatively low temperatures. Additional insight into the development of the microstructure produced by the two TMP variations was obtained, especially with regard to the intermetallic P-phase. The DSC study also showed that a morphological difference exists in the microstructurcs produced by the two TMP variations used, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results confirmed these differences.