Effects of aging temperature, time, and pre-strain on mechanical properties of AA7075

Aluminum alloys of the 7xxx series (AA7075) are preferred in the aerospace and automotive industries due to their low densities, high strength, good corrosion resistance properties. Additionally, these alloys show the most effective aging properties among aluminum alloys. For this reason, it is very important to determine the most appropriate aging parameters for microstructural development. Literature review reveals that the effect of pre-strain on springback has not been studied yet. In this study, the effects of aging temperature, time, and pre-strain on mechanical properties are investigated for AA7075. Precipitates present in solid solutions of AA7075 and their effects are examined. Results reveal that MgZn₂ precipitation is not observed at aging temperatures of 120 and 160 ºC. After the formation of MgZn₂ precipitates, microstructure becomes softer when aging continues at a higher temperature or longer period of time. It is clearly seen that pre-strain causes Portevin-Le Chatelier (PLC) effect after aging at 120 and 160 ºC for aging times of 30 and 90 minutes.