Structure and decomposition behaviour of rapidly solidified AI-Cu-Li-Mg-Zr alloys

The microstructural characteristics of AI-Cu-Li-Mg-Zr alloys have been studied after rapid solidification by melt spinning and after subsequent annealing at temperatures in the range 160 to 500°C, by using a combination of optical microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and microhardness measurements. The as-melt-spun alloys consist of a cellular microstructure with fine scale δ′ precipitates and icosahedral particles distributed within the cells and at cell boundaries. The icosahedral structure is equivalent to the T₂ phase reported by Hardy and Silcock. Annealing the melt-spun alloys leads to a complex precipitation sequence: α + I +δ → α + I + S′ +θ′ → α + I → α +δ′ + T₁ + T₂ (bcc) + two other phases. The icosahedral particles coarsen progressively during annealing, especially at higher annealing temperatures. Fine-scale δ′ precipitates grow during annealing at low temperature, dissolve at higher annealing temperatures below 500°C, and then reprecipitate during cooling after annealing at 500°C. During annealing at low temperature, plates of θ′ and S′ precipitate and then dissolve, providing solute atoms for icosahedral particle growth. Stable T₁, T₂ (bcc) and two other phases precipitate after decomposition of the icosahedral particles during annealing at 500°C.