Heat treatment effect on an AA6063 alloy

Abstract

The aging treatment effect on an AA6063 aluminum alloy was studied by characterizing the microstructure and mechanical properties. The aging impact increased the alloy strength from 100 MPa in the solubilization state to 200 MPa in the aged state. The aging treatment effect, in addition to the formation of precipitates, gave rise to a high number of geometrically necessary dislocations at (GND), and different concentrations of Si and Mg inside some grains. The early fracture of the aged material concerning the solubilization condition was demonstrated by the multiple formations of strain peaks and a high dislocation annihilation rate. The most significant strength contributions to the aged alloy came from precipitates, followed by the solid solution, dislocations, and grain size.