Effect of Cu Addition on Phase Formation, Recrystallization, and Mechanical Properties of Al-Zn-MM-Mg Alloys

Byeong-Kwon Lee; Eun-chan Ko; Yong-Ho Kim; Hyo-Sang Yoo; Kyu-Seok Lee; Sung-Ho Lee; Hyeon-Taek Son; Tae-Hoon Kim

doi:10.3740/MRSK.2025.35.12.613

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2025 Vol.35, Issue 12 Preview Page Next Page

Research Paper

Effect of Cu Addition on Phase Formation, Recrystallization, and Mechanical Properties of Al-Zn-MM-Mg Alloys Cu 첨가에 따른 Al-Zn-MM-Mg계 합금의 상 형성, 재결정 및 기계적 특성 변화

27 December 2025. pp. 613-619

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Abstract

In this study, Cu was added in amounts of 0, 0.5, and 1 wt% to Al-1Zn-0.5MM-0.3Mg alloys to investigate its effects on phase formation, microstructural evolution, recrystallization behavior, and mechanical properties under as-cast and extruded conditions. Additional Al₂Cu phases appeared with increasing Cu addition. EBSD (electron backscatter diffraction) analysis of the extruded alloys revealed that the average grain size boundaries [HAGB (high angle grain boundary), > 15°] increased from 0.124 to 0.299, confirming recrystallization was significantly enhanced by the addition of 1 wt% Cu. Furthermore, the maximum ODF(orientation distribution function) intensity decreased from 6.597 to 3.88 (M.R.D.), indicating that the crystallographic texture became more randomized as recrystallization progressed. Tensile testing showed that the yield strength (YS) and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) increased from 56.28 to 62.28 MPa and from 91.58 to 152.73 MPa, respectively, due to grain refinement and both solid-solution and precipitation strengthening by Cu. These findings demonstrate that adding Cu effectively controls phase formation, recrystallization, and mechanical properties in Al-Zn-MM-Mg alloys.

Keywords

aluminum alloy

copper

phase formation

microstructure

mechanical properties

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Information

Publisher :Materials Research Society of Korea
Publisher(Ko) :한국재료학회
Journal Title :Korean Journal of Materials Research
Journal Title(Ko) :한국재료학회지
Volume : 35
No :12
Pages :613-619
Received Date : 2025-11-18
Revised Date : 2025-11-18
Accepted Date : 2025-12-08
DOI :https://doi.org/10.3740/MRSK.2025.35.12.613

Korean Journal of Materials Research ISSN:1225-0562(Print) 2287-7258(Online) 한국재료학회지

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