The effect of plastic deformation at −196°C on pre-precipitation in a quenched Al-6.8 at. % Zn alloy

Abstract

Abstract The effect of plastic deformation at -196°C on the growth of G.P. zones in an aluminium alloy containing 6.8 at. % zinc was investigated by means of electrical resistivity and x-ray small-angle scattering. The enhancement of the growth process in the early stages of ageing by the plastic deformation was verified. Analysis of x-ray small-angle scattering profiles shows that G.P. zones of the deformed specimen do not grow as large as in undeformed specimens. Examination of the variation of x-ray intensities suggests that deformation decreases the solute concentration in the zones, increases the solute concentration in the matrix, and reduces the number of zones.