Effects of precipitation strengthening heat treatment for Al-Mg alloy

The corrosions resulting from defects in painting layers frequently occur in Al alloys, so the application of corrosion preventing systems is also very important. Optimum conditions in terms of electrochemistry in relation to solution treatment, quenching and artificial aging treatment were established in order to optimize precipitation strengthening conditions intended to enhance the strength of Al alloys. Slow strain rate tests (SSRT) at various applied potentials were conducted in potential range from −1.8 to −0.5 V. The results show that the maximum tensile strengths, elongations and time-to-fracture are shown to be high values. After precipitation strengthening heat treatment, a tendency appear that time-to-fracture increases as elongation increases. In the potential range from −1.3 V to −0.7 V, the specimens show excellent mechanical properties, and thus this range is considered to be a corrosion prevention range.