Effect of thermal exposure on the microstructure, tensile properties and the corrosion behaviour of 6061 aluminium alloy sheet

✍ Scribed by R. Braun

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2005
• Tongue: German
• Weight: 464 KB
• Volume: 56
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0947-5117
• DOI: 10.1002/maco.200403825

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Sheet material of the Al‐Mg‐Si alloy 6061 in the tempers T4 and T6 was thermally exposed at temperatures ranging from 85 to 120°C for 1000 h. The microstructure, tensile properties and the corrosion behaviour in the different heat treatment conditions were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry and transmission electron microscopy as well as performing tensile tests and various corrosion tests. The additional heat treatments, which should simulate aging during long‐term service usage, caused an increase in strength of 6061‐T4 sheet, associated with changes in the naturally aged microstructure. Thermal exposure at 120°C for 1000 h resulted in tensile and corrosion properties being similar to those obtained for peak‐aged sheet. Alloy 6061 in the T6 temper exhibited microstructural stability when additionally heat treated at 85 and 120°C for 1000 h. No significant alterations in the microstructure, tensile properties, and corrosion performance were observed after exposure to slightly elevated temperatures.