Dispersoids in Al-Mg-Si Alloy AA 6086 Modified by Sc and Y

The aluminium alloy AA 6086 attains the highest room temperature strength among Al-Mg-Si alloys. This work studies the effect of Sc and Y on the formation of dispersoids in this alloy, especially L1₂-type ones, which can increase its high-temperature strength. A comprehensive investigation was carried out using light microscopy (LM), scanning (SEM), and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dilatometry to obtain the information regarding the mechanisms and kinetics of dispersoid formation, particularly during isothermal treatments. Sc and Y caused the formation of L1₂ dispersoids during heating to homogenization temperature and homogenization of the alloys, and during isothermal heat treatments of the as-cast alloys (T5 temper). The highest hardness of Sc and (Sc + Y) modified alloys was attained by heat-treating alloys in the as-cast state in the temperature range between 350 °C and 450 °C (via T5 temper).