Microstructure and properties of ZL205 alloy

The microstructure, precipitate type, precipitate distribution and tensile strength of a ZL205 alloy, before and after ageing treatment, have been studied by means of optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the as-cast microstructure of the alloy was made up of α-Al and eutectic phase distributed at the grain boundaries. During ageing treatment, the tensile strength increased at first and then reduced with time, and the highest ultimate tensile strength was found to be around 488.2 MPa.