Microstructure characterization in a sensitized Al-Mg-Mn-Zn alloy

Alloying elements, present in the aluminum solid solution or the precipitates, influence the corrosion resistance of A1-Mg-Mn-Zn alloys. In this study, sensi- tizing treatment was applied to an A1-Mg-Mn-Zn alloy to modify the precipitation at the grain boundaries or in the grains. Transmission electron microscopy （TEM） and scanning electron microscope （SEM） were used to characterize various second-phase particles and determine their orientation relationship with the A1 matrix. After sensitizing treatment, z-phase （Mg32（Al, Zn）49） is observed to precipitate along the grain boundaries in a coarser size, producing a discontinuous grain boundary precipitate structure. In addition, Mn-rich particles are found to form with various shapes, such as global, plate and rhombus.