Study on Quench Sensitivity during Isothermal Treatment of 7A65 Aluminum Alloy

The quenching sensitivity of 7A65 aluminum alloy was investigated using interrupted quenching experiments. The time–temperature transformation (TTT) and time–temperature performance (TTP) curves of the alloy were determined. The results indicate that the nose temperature is about 320 °C and the quenching sensitivity temperature range is from 240 °C to 360 °C. During the isothermal treatment, the supersaturated solid solution resolves to the equilibrium phase of η (MgZn2), and the precipitation rate is the largest at about 320 °C. Through transmission electron microscope (TEM) observation and X-ray diffraction (XRD) tests, it was found that with the extension of the isothermal holding time, the originally dispersed η’ phase gradually decreases until disappear, and the number of η phase increases and gradually grows up at the grain boundary or around the Al3Zr particles. The rod-like η phase at the grain boundary is distributed from discontinuous distribution to chain-like continuous distribution, and the precipitation free zone (PFZ) is gradually generated and widened as the holding time is extended. At the nose temperature, the driving force of nucleation is high, and the diffusion rate is fast, which promotes the precipitation and growth of η phases. The coarse η phase weakens the mechanical properties. According to the results, it is recommended to increase the cooling rate at the sensitivity temperature range to reduce the precipitation of the η phase and decrease the quenching cooling rate from solution temperature to 360 °C to reduce residual stresses in the components.