Study of Cu Addition on Precipitation Behaviors and Mechanical Properties in AA6082 Al-Mg-Si Alloy

The precipitation behaviors and microstructures of nano-precipitates in AA6082 Al-Mg-Si alloy with and without Cu additions during heat treatment process were studied using hardness measurements, TEM, mechanical tests and 3DAP. Meanwhile, the softening process of 6082 alloys with Cu and without Cu, isothermally conditioned at 250°C, has also been investigated. It was found that the rate of age hardening, mechanical properties and thermal stability are higher for the Cu-containing alloy. The TEM and 3DAP observations showed that Q’ precipitates were existed after aged at 170°C for 8h in the alloy with Cu addition. Comparing the hardness, mechanical properties and thermal stability curves, it was concluded that the Q’ precipitates play a major role in improving the age hardening kinetics and properties of 6082 alloy with Cu addition.