EP3880857A2 - Alliages d'aluminium 7xxx améliorés - Google Patents

Alliages d'aluminium 7xxx améliorés

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Publication number
EP3880857A2
EP3880857A2 EP19885961.3A EP19885961A EP3880857A2 EP 3880857 A2 EP3880857 A2 EP 3880857A2 EP 19885961 A EP19885961 A EP 19885961A EP 3880857 A2 EP3880857 A2 EP 3880857A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
aluminum alloy
7xxx aluminum
temper
7xxx
realizes
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP19885961.3A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP3880857A4 (fr
Inventor
Severine CAMBIER
Julien Boselli
Jen C. Lin
Lynette M. Karabin
Francine S. Bovard
Wenping Zhang
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Arconic Technologies LLC
Original Assignee
Arconic Technologies LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Arconic Technologies LLC filed Critical Arconic Technologies LLC
Publication of EP3880857A2 publication Critical patent/EP3880857A2/fr
Publication of EP3880857A4 publication Critical patent/EP3880857A4/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C22—METALLURGY; FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS ALLOYS; TREATMENT OF ALLOYS OR NON-FERROUS METALS
    • C22F—CHANGING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF NON-FERROUS METALS AND NON-FERROUS ALLOYS
    • C22F1/00—Changing the physical structure of non-ferrous metals or alloys by heat treatment or by hot or cold working
    • C22F1/04—Changing the physical structure of non-ferrous metals or alloys by heat treatment or by hot or cold working of aluminium or alloys based thereon
    • C22F1/053—Changing the physical structure of non-ferrous metals or alloys by heat treatment or by hot or cold working of aluminium or alloys based thereon of alloys with zinc as the next major constituent
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C22—METALLURGY; FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS ALLOYS; TREATMENT OF ALLOYS OR NON-FERROUS METALS
    • C22C—ALLOYS
    • C22C21/00—Alloys based on aluminium
    • C22C21/10—Alloys based on aluminium with zinc as the next major constituent

Definitions

  • the present patent application relates to improved 7xxx aluminum alloys and products made from the same.
  • Aluminum alloys are useful in a variety of applications. However, improving one property of an aluminum alloy without degrading another property is elusive. For example, it is difficult to increase the strength of a wrought aluminum alloy without affecting other properties such as fracture toughness or corrosion resistance. 7xxx (Al-Zn-Mg based) are prone to corrosion. See, e.g., Bonn, W. Gruhl,“The stress corrosion behaviour of high strength AIZnMg alloysf Paper held at the International Meeting of Associazione Italiana di Metallurgie,“Aluminum Alloys in Aircraft Industries,” Turin, October 1976.
  • Patent Owner has described some 7xxx aluminum alloy products in, inter alia , U.S. Patent Nos. 6,972,110, and 8,673,209, and International Patent Application Publication Nos. W02016/183030 and WO2018/237196.
  • the present patent application relates to improved 7xxx aluminum alloys, and products made from the same.
  • the new 7xxx aluminum alloys generally comprise from 0.05 to 1.0 wt. % Ag.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy comprises (and in some instances consist essentially of, or consist of) from 0.05 to 1.0 wt. % Ag, from 5.5 to 9.0 wt. % Zn, from 1.2 to 2.6 wt. % Cu, from 1.3 to 2.5 wt. % Mg, up to 0.60 wt. % Mn, up to 1.0 wt.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes high combined amounts of copper and magnesium, such as at least 3.0 wt. % (i.e., (wt. % Cu) + (wt. % Mg) > 3.0 wt. %).
  • the new 7xxx aluminum alloy may realize an improved combination of properties, such as an improved combination of two or more of strength, fracture toughness, elongation, and stress corrosion cracking resistance, among others.
  • the new 7xxx aluminum alloys generally include 0.05 to 1.0 wt. % Ag.
  • the use of silver in combination with other elements of the new 7xxx aluminum alloys may result in new 7xxx aluminum alloys products having an improved combination of properties, such as an improved combination of two or more of strength, elongation, fracture toughness and stress corrosion cracking resistance, among others.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 0.06 wt. % Ag.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 0.07 wt. % Ag.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 0.08 wt. % Ag.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 0.09 wt. % Ag. In yet another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 0.10 wt. % Ag. In another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 0.15 wt. % Ag. In yet another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 0.20 wt. % Ag. In another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 0.225 wt. % Ag. In yet another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 0.25 wt. % Ag. In one embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.7 wt. % Ag.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.5 wt. % Ag. In yet another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.4 wt. % Ag. In another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.35 wt. % Ag. In yet another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.325 wt. % Ag. In another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.30 wt. % Ag.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy may include from 5.5 to 9.0 wt. % Zn.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 5.75 wt. % Zn.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 6.0 wt. % Zn.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 6.25 wt. % Zn.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 6.5 wt. % Zn.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 6.75 wt. % Zn.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 7.0 wt.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 8.75 wt. % Zn. In another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 8.5 wt. % Zn. In yet another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 8.25 wt. % Zn. In another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 8.0 wt. % Zn. In another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 7.75 wt. % Zn. In yet another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 7.5 wt. % Zn. In another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 7.25 wt.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 7.0 wt. % Zn. In another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 6.75 wt. % Zn. In yet another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 6.5 wt. % Zn. In another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 6.25 wt. % Zn.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy may include from 1.2 to 2.6 wt. % Cu.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 1.3 wt. % Cu.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 1.4 wt. % Cu.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 1.5 wt. % Cu.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 1.6 wt. % Cu.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 1.7 wt. % Cu.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 1.8 wt. % Cu.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 2.3 wt. % Cu. In another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 2.2 wt. % Cu. In yet another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 2.1 wt. % Cu. In another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 2.0 wt. % Cu. In yet another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 1.9 wt. % Cu. In another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 1.8 wt. % Cu.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy may include from 1.3 to 2.5 wt. % Mg. In one embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 1.4 wt. % Mg. In another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 1.45 wt. % Mg. In one embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 2.2 wt. % Mg. In another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 2.1 wt. % Mg. In yet another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 2.0 wt. % Mg. In another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 1.9 wt.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 1.8 wt. % Mg. In another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 1.7 wt. % Mg. In yet another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 1.65 wt. % Mg.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy may include high combined amounts of copper and magnesium.
  • the combined amount of copper and magnesium in a new 7xxx aluminum alloy is at least 3.0 wt. % (i.e., (wt. % Cu) + (wt. % Mg) > 3.0 wt. %).
  • the combined amount of copper and magnesium in a new 7xxx aluminum alloy is at least 3.25 wt. % (i.e., (wt. % Cu) + (wt. % Mg) > 3.25 wt. %).
  • the combined amount of copper and magnesium in a new 7xxx aluminum alloy is at least 3.5 wt.
  • the combined amount of copper and magnesium in a new 7xxx aluminum alloy is at least 3.75 wt. % (i.e., (wt. % Cu) + (wt. % Mg) > 3.75 wt. %). In yet another embodiment, the combined amount of copper and magnesium in a new 7xxx aluminum alloy is at least 4.0 wt. % (i.e., (wt. % Cu) + (wt. % Mg) > 4.0 wt. %).
  • the new 7xxx aluminum alloys may include up to 0.60 wt. % Mn.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 0.05 wt. % Mn.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 0.10 wt. % Mn.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 0.15 wt. % Mn.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 0.20 wt. % Mn.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 0.25 wt. % Mn.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.55 wt. % Mn.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.50 wt. % Mn. In yet another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.45 wt. % Mn. In another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.40 wt. % Mn.
  • manganese may be considered both an alloying ingredient and a grain structure control element—the manganese retained in solid solution may enhance a mechanical property of the alloy (e.g., strength and/or toughness), while the manganese in particulate form (e.g., as AI ⁇ Mh, AhiM Sri, AhoC M — sometimes referred to as dispersoids) may assist with grain structure control and may also improve damage tolerance properties, such as fracture toughness.
  • Mn is separately defined with its own composition limits in the present patent application, it is not within the definition of“grain structure control material” (described below) for the purposes of the present patent application.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes low amounts of manganese.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy generally includes not greater than 0.04 wt. % Mn.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.03 wt. % Mn.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.02 wt. % Mn.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.01 wt. % Mn.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.005 wt. % Mn, or less.
  • the new 7xxx aluminum alloys may include one or more of Zr, Cr, V, Hf, other rare earth elements, and combinations thereof as grain structure control materials (e.g., from 0.05-0.25 wt. % each of one or more of Zr, Cr, V, Hf, and other rare earth elements), limiting the total amounts of these elements such that large primary particles do not form in the alloy.
  • Grain structure control materials may, for instance, facilitate an appropriate grain structure (e.g., an unrecry stallized grain structure).
  • grain structure control materials include Zr, Cr, V, Hf, and other rare earth elements, to name a few, but excludes Mn and Sc.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product When employed, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product generally includes at least 0.05 wt. % of the grain structure control materials. In one embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product includes at least 0.07 wt. % of the grain structure control materials. In another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product includes at least 0.09 wt. % of the grain structure control materials. When employed, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product generally includes not greater than 1.0 wt. % of the grain structure control materials. In one embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product includes not greater than 0.75 wt. % of the grain structure control materials. In yet another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product includes not greater than 0.50 wt. % of the grain structure control materials.
  • the grain structure control materials are selected from the group consisting of Zr, Cr, V and Hf. In another embodiment, the grain structure control materials are selected from the group consisting of Zr and Cr. In another embodiment, the grain structure control material is Zr. In another embodiment, the grain structure control material is Cr.
  • the grain structure control material is at least chromium (Cr), and a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product includes from 0.05 to 0.25 wt. % Cr.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 0.07 wt. % Cr.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 0.10 wt. % Cr.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 0.12 wt. % Cr.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 0.14 wt. % Cr.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.24 wt. % Cr.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.22 wt. % Cr.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.20 wt. % Cr.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy contains low amounts of chromium (e.g., ⁇ 0.04 wt. % Cr.) In one embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy contains not greater than 0.03 wt. % Cr. In another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy contains not greater than 0.02 wt. % Cr. In yet another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy contains not greater than 0.01 wt. % Cr. In another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy contains not greater than 0.005 wt. % Cr, or less.
  • the grain structure control material is Zr
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product includes from 0.05 to 0.20 wt. % Zr.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 0.06 wt. % Zr.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 0.07 wt. % Zr.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes at least 0.08 wt. % Zr.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.18 wt. % Zr.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.16 wt. % Zr.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.15 wt. % Zr. In another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.14 wt. % Zr. In yet another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.13 wt. % Zr. In one embodiment, the grain structure control material is Zr, and a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product includes from 0.07 to 0.16 wt. % Zr. In another embodiment, the grain structure control material is Zr, and a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product includes from 0.08 to 0.15 wt. % Zr.
  • the grain structure control material is Zr
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product includes from 0.09 to 0.14 wt. % Zr.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product may contain low amounts of the Cr, V, Hf, and other rare earth elements (e.g., ⁇ 0.04 wt. % each of Cr, V, Hf, and the other rare earth elements.).
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product contains not greater than 0.03 wt. % each of Cr, V, Hf, and the other rare earth elements.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product contains not greater than 0.02 wt.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product contains not greater than 0.01 wt. % each of Cr, V, Hf, and the the other rare earth elements. In another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product contains not greater than 0.005 wt. % each of Cr, V, Hf and the other rare earth elements.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes low amounts of zirconium (e.g., ⁇ 0.04 wt. % Zr). In one embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product contains not greater than 0.03 wt. % Zr. In another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product contains not greater than 0.02 wt. % Zr. In yet another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product contains not greater than 0.01 wt. % Zr. In another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product contains not greater than 0.005 wt. % Zr, or less.
  • the grain structure control materials comprise both Zr and Cr, and a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product includes at least 0.07 wt. % Zr and at least 0.07 wt. % Cr, wherein the wt. % Zr plus the wt. % Cr is not greater than 0.40 wt. % (i.e., wt. % Zr + wt. % Cr ⁇ 0.40 wt. %).
  • the grain structure control materials comprise both Zr and Cr, and a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product includes at least 0.07 wt. % Zr and at least 0.07 wt. % Cr, wherein the wt. % Zr plus the wt.
  • the grain structure control materials comprise both Zr and Cr, and a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product includes at least 0.07 wt. % Zr and at least 0.07 wt. % Cr, wherein the wt. % Zr plus the wt. % Cr is not greater than 0.30 wt. % (i.e., wt. % Zr + wt. % Cr ⁇ 0.30 wt. %).
  • the grain structure control materials comprise both Zr and Cr, and a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product includes at least 0.07 wt. % Zr and at least 0.07 wt. % Cr, wherein the wt. % Zr plus the wt. % Cr is not greater than 0.25 wt. % (i.e., wt. % Zr + wt. % Cr ⁇ 0.25 wt. %).
  • the grain structure control materials comprise both Zr and Cr, and a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product includes at least 0.07 wt. % Zr and at least 0.07 wt. % Cr, wherein the wt. % Zr plus the wt.
  • % Cr is not greater than 0.20 wt. % (i.e., wt. % Zr + wt. % Cr ⁇ 0.20 wt. %).
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product may include at least 0.09 wt. % of at least one of Zr and Cr.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product may include at least 0.09 wt. % of both Zr and Cr.
  • the new 7xxx aluminum alloy product may include up to 0.15 wt. % Ti, e.g., cumulatively for grain refining and/or other purposes.
  • Grain refiners are inoculants or nuclei to seed new grains during solidification of the alloy.
  • An example of a grain refiner is a 9.525 mm rod comprising 96% aluminum, 3% titanium (Ti) and 1% boron (B) (all in weight percent), where virtually all boron is present as finely dispersed T1B2 particles.
  • a grain refining rod may be fed in-line into the molten alloy flowing into the casting pit at a controlled rate.
  • the amount of grain refiner included in the alloy is generally dependent on the type of material utilized for grain refining and the alloy production process.
  • grain refiners include Ti combined with B (e.g., T1B2) or carbon (TiC), although other grain refiners, such as Al-Ti master alloys may be utilized.
  • B e.g., T1B2
  • TiC carbon
  • grain refiners are added in an amount ranging from 0.0003 wt. % to 0.005 wt. % to the alloy, depending on the desired as-cast grain size.
  • Ti may be separately added to the alloy in an amount up to 0.15 wt. %, depending on product form, to increase the effectiveness of grain refiner, and typically in the range of 0.005 to 0.15 wt. % Ti.
  • a new alloy When Ti is included in the alloy, it is generally present in an amount of from 0.01 to 0.10 wt. %.
  • a new alloy includes at least 0.005 wt. % Ti.
  • a new alloy includes at least 0.01 wt. % Ti.
  • a new alloy includes at least 0.015 wt. % Ti.
  • a new alloy includes at least 0.020 wt. % Ti.
  • a new alloy includes not greater than 0.10 wt. % Ti.
  • a new alloy includes not greater than 0.08 wt. % Ti.
  • a new alloy includes not greater than 0.07 wt. % Ti.
  • a new alloy includes not greater than 0.06 wt. % Ti. In yet another embodiment, a new alloy includes not greater than 0.05 wt. % Ti.
  • the aluminum alloy includes a grain refiner, and the grain refiner is at least one of T1B2 and TiC, where the wt. % of Ti in the alloy is from 0.01 to 0.06 wt. %, or from 0.01 to 0.03 wt. %.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy may include up to 0.30 wt. % Fe.
  • a new alloy includes at least 0.01 wt. % Fe.
  • a new alloy includes not greater than 0.25 wt. % Fe.
  • a new alloy includes not greater than 0.20 wt. % Fe.
  • a new alloy includes not greater than 0.15 wt. % Fe.
  • a new alloy includes not greater than 0.12 wt. % Fe.
  • a new alloy includes not greater than 0.10 wt. % Fe.
  • a new alloy includes not greater than 0.08 wt. % Fe.
  • a new alloy includes not greater than 0.06 wt. % Fe. In yet another embodiment, a new alloy includes not greater than 0.04 wt. % Fe. Use of 0.12 wt. % Fe or less is preferred for aerospace applications.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy may include up to 0.30 wt. % Si.
  • a new alloy includes at least 0.01 wt. % Si.
  • a new alloy includes not greater than 0.25 wt. % Si.
  • a new alloy includes not greater than 0.20 wt. % Si.
  • a new alloy includes not greater than 0.15 wt. % Si.
  • a new alloy includes not greater than 0.12 wt. % Si.
  • a new alloy includes not greater than 0.10 wt. % Si.
  • a new alloy includes not greater than 0.08 wt. % Si.
  • a new alloy includes not greater than 0.06 wt. % Si. In another embodiment, a new alloy includes not greater than 0.04 wt. % Si. Use of 0.10 wt. % Si or less is preferred for aerospace applications.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy generally includes not greater than 0.08 wt. % Sc. Scandium may impact the grain structure of the 7xxx aluminum alloys.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.05 wt. % Sc.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.03 wt. % Sc.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.01 wt. % Sc.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.005 wt. % Sc, or less.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.05 wt. % Li. Lithium handling is difficult and lithium may negatively impact the properties of the 7xxx aluminum alloys. In one embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.03 wt. % Li. In another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.01 wt. % Li. In yet another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.005 wt. % Li, or less.
  • the new alloys generally include the stated alloying ingredients, the balance being aluminum, optional incidental elements, and impurities.
  • incident elements means those elements or materials, other than the above listed elements, that may optionally be added to the alloy to assist in the production of the alloy. Examples of incidental elements include casting aids, such as grain refiners and deoxidizers.
  • Optional incidental elements may be included in the alloy in a cumulative amount of up to 1.0 wt. %.
  • one or more incidental elements may be added to the alloy during casting to reduce or restrict (and is some instances eliminate) ingot cracking due to, for example, oxide fold, pit and oxide patches.
  • deoxidizers These types of incidental elements are generally referred to herein as deoxidizers.
  • deoxidizers include Ca, Sr, and Be.
  • Ca calcium
  • Sr calcium
  • Be When calcium (Ca) is included in the alloy, it is generally present in an amount of up to about 0.05 wt. %, or up to about 0.03 wt. %.
  • Ca is included in the alloy in an amount of about 0.001-0.03 wt % or about 0.05 wt. %, such as 0.001-0.008 wt. % (or 10 to 80 ppm).
  • Strontium (Sr) may be included in the alloy as a substitute for Ca (in whole or in part), and thus may be included in the alloy in the same or similar amounts as Ca.
  • Be beryllium
  • some embodiments of the alloy are substantially Be-free.
  • Be is included in the alloy, it is generally present in an amount of up to about 20 ppm.
  • Incidental elements may be present in minor amounts, or may be present in significant amounts, and may add desirable or other characteristics on their own without departing from the alloy described herein, so long as the alloy retains the desirable characteristics described herein. It is to be understood, however, that the scope of this disclosure should not/cannot be avoided through the mere addition of an element or elements in quantities that would not otherwise impact on the combinations of properties desired and attained herein.
  • the new 7xxx aluminum alloys may contain low amounts of impurities.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.15 wt. %, in total, of the impurities, and wherein the 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.05 wt. % of each of the impurities.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.10 wt. %, in total, of the impurities, and wherein the 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.03 wt. % of each of the impurities.
  • the new 7xxx aluminum alloy is a 7085 alloy (as defined by the Aluminum Association Teal Sheets document, described below) modified to include 0.05 to 1.0 wt. % Ag, such as any of the silver limits/ranges described above.
  • the teachings of this paragraph also apply to other 7x85 alloys, such as 7185.
  • the new 7xxx aluminum alloy is a 7065 alloy (as defined by the Aluminum Association Teal Sheets document, described below) modified to include 0.05 to 1.0 wt. % Ag, such as any of the silver limits/ranges described above.
  • the teachings of this paragraph also apply to other 7x65 alloys.
  • the new 7xxx aluminum alloy is a 7040 alloy (as defined by the Aluminum Association Teal Sheets document, described below) modified to include 0.05 to 1.0 wt. % Ag, such as any of the silver limits/ranges described above.
  • the teachings of this paragraph also apply to other 7x40 alloys, such as 7140.
  • the new 7xxx aluminum alloy is a 7050 alloy (as defined by the Aluminum Association Teal Sheets document, described below) modified to include 0.05 to 1.0 wt. % Ag, such as any of the silver limits/ranges described above.
  • the teachings of this paragraph also apply to other 7x50 alloys, such as 7150 and 7250.
  • the new 7xxx aluminum alloy is a 7055 alloy (as defined by the Aluminum Association Teal Sheets document, described below) modified to include 0.05 to 1.0 wt. % Ag, such as any of the silver limits/ranges described above.
  • the teachings of this paragraph also apply to other 7x50 alloys, such as 7155 and 7255.
  • the new 7xxx aluminum alloy is a 7136 alloy (as defined by the Aluminum Association Teal Sheets document, described below) modified to include 0.05 to 1.0 wt. % Ag, such as any of the silver limits/ranges described above.
  • the teachings of this paragraph also apply to other 7x36 alloys, such as 7036.
  • the new 7xxx aluminum alloy is a 7037 alloy (as defined by the Aluminum Association Teal Sheets document, described below) modified to include 0.05 to 1.0 wt. % Ag, such as any of the silver limits/ranges described above.
  • the teachings of this paragraph also apply to other 7x37 alloys.
  • the new 7xxx aluminum alloy is a 7010 alloy (as defined by the Aluminum Association Teal Sheets document, described below) modified to include 0.05 to 1.0 wt. % Ag, such as any of the silver limits/ranges described above.
  • the teachings of this paragraph also apply to other 7x10 alloys.
  • the new 7xxx aluminum alloy is a 7081 alloy (as defined by the Aluminum Association Teal Sheets document, described below) modified to include 0.05 to 1.0 wt. % Ag, such as any of the silver limits/ranges described above.
  • the teachings of this paragraph also apply to other 7x81 alloys, such as 7181.
  • the new 7xxx aluminum alloy is a 7099 alloy (as defined by the Aluminum Association Teal Sheets document, described below) modified to include 0.05 to 1.0 wt. % Ag, such as any of the silver limits/ranges described above.
  • the teachings of this paragraph also apply to other 7x99 alloys, such as 7199.
  • the new 7xxx aluminum alloy is a 7449 alloy (as defined by the Aluminum Association Teal Sheets document, described below) modified to include 0.05 to 1.0 wt. % Ag, such as any of the silver limits/ranges described above.
  • the teachings of this paragraph also apply to other 7x49 alloys, such as 7049, 7149, 7249, and 7349.
  • the new 7xxx aluminum alloy is a 7075 alloy (as defined by the Aluminum Association Teal Sheets document, described below) modified to include 0.05 to 1.0 wt. % Ag, such as any of the silver limits/ranges described above.
  • the teachings of this paragraph also apply to other 7x75 alloys, such as 7175 and 7475.
  • the new 7xxx aluminum alloy is a 7097 alloy (as defined by the Aluminum Association Teal Sheets document, described below) modified to include 0.05 to 1.0 wt. % Ag, such as any of the silver limits/ranges described above.
  • the teachings of this paragraph also apply to other 7x97 alloys.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy is in the form of a thick wrought product.
  • Thick wrought aluminum alloy products are those wrought products having a cross- sectional thickness of at least 12.7 mm.
  • the wrought products may be rolled products, forged products or extruded products.
  • a thick wrought aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 25 mm.
  • a thick wrought aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm.
  • a thick wrought aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 60 mm. In another embodiment, a thick wrought aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 80 mm. In yet another embodiment, a thick wrought aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 100 mm. In another embodiment, a thick wrought aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 120 mm. In another embodiment, a thick wrought aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 140 mm. The improved properties described herein may be achieved with thick wrought products having a thickness of up to 305 mm. In one embodiment, a thick wrought aluminum alloy product has a thickness of not greater than 254 mm.
  • a thick wrought aluminum alloy product has a thickness of not greater than 203 mm. In yet another embodiment, a thick wrought aluminum alloy product has a thickness of not greater than 178 mm. As used in this paragraph, thickness refers to the minimum thickness of the product, realizing that some portions of the product may realize slightly larger thicknesses than the minimum stated.
  • the new alloy can be prepared into wrought form, and in the appropriate temper, by more or less conventional practices, including direct chill (DC) casting the aluminum alloy into ingot form.
  • DC direct chill
  • these ingots may be further processed by hot working the product.
  • the product may then be optionally cold worked and/or optionally annealed. After any cold work and any anneal (which may occur multiple times and in any order), the product may then be solution heat treated, quenched, such as in a gas (e.g.
  • the products may be produced in a T4, T6 or T7 temper.
  • other T tempers may be used (e.g., any of a Tl, T2, T3, T5, T8 or T9 temper).
  • Products may also be produced / shipped in the F or W tempers.
  • a new wrought aluminum alloy product is in a T7X temper, such as any of a T73, T74, T76, T79 or T77 temper.
  • a new wrought aluminum alloy product is in a T7X51 temper, such as any of a T7351, T7451, T7651, T7951 or T7751 temper.
  • Tempers F, W and T are defined in ANSI H35.1 (2009).
  • the new 7xxx aluminum alloys may realize an improved combination of at least two of strength, elongation, fracture toughness, and stress corrosion cracking resistance, among others.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm and realizes a typical tensile yield strength (L) of at least 400 MPa in a T7 temper.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm and realizes a typical tensile yield strength (L) of at least 410 MPa in a T7 temper.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm and realizes a typical tensile yield strength (L) of at least 420 MPa in a T7 temper.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm and realizes a typical tensile yield strength (L) of at least 430 MPa in a T7 temper.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm and realizes a typical tensile yield strength (L) of at least 440 MPa in a T7 temper.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm and realizes a typical tensile yield strength (L) of at least 450 MPa in a T7 temper.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm and realizes a typical tensile yield strength (L) of at least 460 MPa in a T7 temper.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm and realizes a typical tensile yield strength (L) of at least 470 MPa in a T7 temper.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm and realizes a typical tensile yield strength (L) of at least 480 MPa, or more, in a T7 temper.
  • the above strength properties may be realized in products having a thickness of at least 60 mm, or at least 80 mm, or at least 100 mm, at least 120 mm, or at least 140 mm, or higher.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm and realizes an elongation (L) of at least 8.0% in a T7 temper.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm and realizes an elongation (L) of at least 9.0% in a T7 temper.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm and realizes an elongation (L) of at least 10.0% in a T7 temper.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm and realizes an elongation (L) of at least 11.0% in a T7 temper.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm and realizes an elongation (L) of at least 12.0%, or higher in a T7 temper.
  • L elongation
  • the above elongation properties may be realized in products having a thickness of at least 60 mm, or at least 80 mm, or at least 100 mm, at least 120 mm, or at least 140 mm, or higher.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm and realizes a typical tensile yield strength (ST) of at least 400 MPa in a T7 temper.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm and realizes a typical tensile yield strength (ST) of at least 410 MPa in a T7 temper.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm and realizes a typical tensile yield strength (ST) of at least 420 MPa in a T7 temper.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm and realizes a typical tensile yield strength (ST) of at least 430 MPa in a T7 temper.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm and realizes a typical tensile yield strength (ST) of at least 440 MPa, or more, in a T7 temper.
  • the above strength properties may be realized in products having a thickness of at least 60 mm, or at least 80 mm, or at least 100 mm, at least 120 mm, or at least 140 mm, or higher.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm and realizes a plane-strain (Kic) fracture toughness (S-L) of at least 20 MPa-sqrt-m in a T7 temper.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm and realizes a plane-strain (Kic) fracture toughness (S-L) of at least 21 MPa- sqrt-m in a T7 temper.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm and realizes a plane-strain (Kic) fracture toughness (S-L) of at least 22 MPa-sqrt-m in a T7 temper.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm and realizes a plane-strain (Kic) fracture toughness (S-L) of at least 23 MPa-sqrt-m in a T7 temper.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm and realizes a plane-strain (Kic) fracture toughness (S-L) of at least 24 MPa-sqrt-m in a T7 temper.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm and realizes a plane-strain (Kic) fracture toughness (S-L) of at least 25 MPa-sqrt-m, or higher, in a T7 temper.
  • the above fracture toughness properties may be realized in products having a thickness of at least 60 mm, or at least 80 mm, or at least 100 mm, at least 120 mm, or at least 140 mm, or higher.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm and realizes an elongation (ST) of at least 2.0% in a T7 temper.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm and realizes an elongation (ST) of at least 3.0% in a T7 temper.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm and realizes an elongation (ST) of at least 4.0% in a T7 temper.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm and realizes an elongation (ST) of at least 5.0% in a T7 temper.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm and realizes an elongation (ST) of at least 6.0% in a T7 temper.
  • ST elongation
  • the above elongation properties may be realized in products having a thickness of at least 60 mm, or at least 80 mm, or at least 100 mm, at least 120 mm, or at least 140 mm, or higher.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm and passes Hot and Humid SCC (stress corrosion cracking) testing using standard stress-corrosion tension test specimens conforming to ASTM G49, as defined below (“HHSCC-G49”).
  • HHSCC-G49 Hot and Humid SCC (stress corrosion cracking) testing using standard stress-corrosion tension test specimens conforming to ASTM G49, as defined below (“HHSCC-G49”).
  • HHSCC-G49 standard stress-corrosion tension test specimens conforming to ASTM G49, as defined below.
  • ST short transverse
  • the length of the tensile specimen is 2.00 inches (50.8 mm), as shown in FIG. 2. If the final product thickness is from 1.50 inches (38.1 mm) to less than 2.25 inches ( ⁇ 50.8 mm), the length of the specimen must be at least 1.25 inches (31.75 mm) and should be as close to 2.00 inches (50.8 mm) as possible.
  • Prior to testing the tensile specimens are to be cleaned / degreased by washing in acetone. The tensile specimens are then strained in the short-transverse direction at 85% of their ST tensile yield strength at T/2.
  • the alloy ST tensile yield strength is measured at room temperature and in accordance with ASTM E8 and B557 prior to the HHSCC-G49 testing.
  • the stressing frame used is a constant strain type per ASTM G49, section 7.2.2 (see, e.g., FIG. 4a of ASTM G49).
  • the strained specimens are then placed into a controlled cabinet having air at 85% relative humidity (without additions to the air, such as chlorides) and a temperature of 70°C or 90°C. At least three specimens must be tested.
  • an alloy passes HHSCC-G49 testing at 70°C when all specimens survive at least 100 days.
  • an alloy passes HHSCC-G49 testing at 90°C when all specimens survive at least 10 days.
  • a failure is when the specimen breaks into two halves, either along the gauge length or at one of the specimen shoulders adjoining the gauge length. Shoulder failures are statistically equivalent to gauge length failures. Thread failures are only included when they are statistically equivalent to the gauge length failures when determining whether an alloy passes HHSCC-G49.
  • a thread failure is when a crack occurs in a threaded end of a specimen as opposed to in the gauge length. In some instance, thread failures may not be detectable until the specimen is removed from the stressing frame.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy passes 150 days of HHSCC-G49 testing at 70°C, wherein all samples survive 150 days of the HHSCC-G49 test defined above.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy passes 15 days of HHSCC-G49 testing at 90°C, wherein all samples survive 15 days of the HHSCC-G49 test defined above.
  • the above stress corrosion cracking resistance properties may be realized in products having a thickness of at least 60 mm, or at least 80 mm, or at least 100 mm, at least 120 mm, or at least 140 mm, or higher.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm and passes stress corrosion cracking, per ASTM G47 using standard stress-corrosion tension test specimens conforming to ASTM G49 under alternate immersion exposure conditions per ASTM G44 (“SCC alternate immersion testing”).
  • SCC alternate immersion testing For purposes of this patent application, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy passes SCC alternate immersion testing when all samples survive 20 days of the SCC alternate immersion testing at a net stress of 172 MPa in the ST direction, where the test environment is 3.5% NaCl, and with a minimum of five (5) samples required to be tested.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy passes 30 days of SCC alternate immersion testing, as defined above.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy passes 20 days of SCC alternate immersion testing, as defined above, but at a net stress of 241 MPa. In yet another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy passes 30 days of SCC alternate immersion testing, as defined above, but at a net stress of 241 MPa.
  • the above stress corrosion cracking resistance properties may be realized in products having a thickness of at least 60 mm, or at least 80 mm, or at least 100 mm, at least 120 mm, or at least 140 mm, or higher.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy product has a thickness of at least 38 mm and passes Hot and Humid SCC (stress corrosion cracking) testing under ASTM G168, as defined below (“HHSCC-G168”).
  • HHSCC-G168 Hot and Humid SCC (stress corrosion cracking) testing under ASTM G168, as defined below.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy passes HHSCC-G168 testing when (a) the stress intensity factor gives a crack growth rate of not greater than 10 7 mm/s, and (b) the realized K value is at least 13 MPa-sqrt- m (MPaVm).
  • the HHSCC-G168 testing is to be conducted at 70°C and 85% relative humidity, at T/2 and with S-L specimens.
  • the realized K value is at least 14 MPa- sqrt-m at a crack growth rate of not greater than 10 7 mm/s. In another embodiment, the realized K value is at least 15 MPa-sqrt-m at a crack growth rate of not greater than 10 7 mm/s. In yet another embodiment, the realized K value is at least 16 MPa-sqrt-m at a crack growth rate of not greater than 10 7 mm/s. In another embodiment, the realized K value is at least 17 MPa- sqrt-m at a crack growth rate of not greater than 10 7 mm/s.
  • the realized K value is at least 18 MPa-sqrt-m, or higher, at a crack growth rate of not greater than 10 7 mm/s.
  • the above stress corrosion cracking resistance properties may be realized in products having a thickness of at least 60 mm, or at least 80 mm, or at least 100 mm, at least 120 mm, or at least 140 mm, or higher.
  • a new 7xxx aluminum alloy passes at least two of the above- defined SCC tests (i.e., at least two of: (a) the HHSCC-G49 test, as defined above, (b) the SCC alternate immersion test, as defined above, and (c) the HHSCC-G168 test, as defined above). In another embodiment, a new 7xxx aluminum alloy passes all of the above-defined SCC tests.
  • L and ST properties generally relate to thick plate products, similar properties may also be realized in thick forged product and thick extruded products. Further, many of the above properties may be realized in combination, as shown by the below examples.
  • 7xxx aluminum alloys are aluminum alloys compositions having zinc as the major alloying element as per the Aluminum Association definition provided in“ International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Wrought Aluminum and Wrought Aluminum Alloys,” (2015) a.k.a. the“Teal Sheets.”
  • 7xxx aluminum alloy compositions may be used in non-wrought products, such as in shape castings, ingot/billet, and additively manufactured products, among others.
  • “Wrought aluminum alloy product” means an aluminum alloy product that is hot worked after casting, and includes rolled products (sheet or plate), forged products, and extruded products.
  • “Forged aluminum alloy product” means a wrought aluminum alloy product that is either die forged or hand forged.
  • Solution heat treating means exposure of an aluminum alloy to elevated temperature for the purpose of placing solute(s) into solid solution.
  • “Hot working” means working the aluminum alloy product at elevated temperature, generally at least 250°F.
  • Cold working means working the aluminum alloy product at temperatures that are not considered hot working temperatures, generally below about 250°F (e.g., at ambient).
  • “Artificially aging” means exposure of an aluminum alloy to elevated temperature for the purpose of precipitating solute(s). Artificial aging may occur in one or a plurality of steps, which can include varying temperatures and/or exposure times.
  • “typical longitudinal (L) tensile yield strength” or TYS(L) is determined in accordance with ASTM B557-10 and by measuring the tensile yield strength (TYS) in the longitudinal direction (L) at the T/4 location from at least three different lots of material, and with at least duplicate specimens being tested for each lot, for a total of at least 6 different measured specimen values, with the typical TYS(L) being the average of the at least 6 different measured specimen values.
  • Typical elongation (L) is measured during longitudinal tensile testing.
  • TYS(ST) “typical longitudinal (ST) tensile yield strength” or TYS(ST) is determined in accordance with ASTM B557-10 and by measuring the tensile yield strength (TYS) in the short transverse direction (ST) from at least three different lots of material, and with at least duplicate specimens being tested for each lot, for a total of at least 6 different measured specimen values, with the typical TYS(ST) being the average of the at least 6 different measured specimen values.
  • Short transverse tensile specimens are taken so that the midpoint of the gage section coincides with the plate mid-thickness plane.
  • Typical elongation (ST) is measured during short transverse tensile testing.
  • “typical plane strain fracture toughness (Kic) (L-T)” is determined in accordance with ASTM E399-12, by measuring the plane strain fracture toughness in the L- T direction at the T/2 location for plate thicknesses up to 4.0 inches and at the T/4 location for plate thicknesses above 4.0 inches from at least three different lots of material using a C(T) specimen, where“W” is 4.0 inches, and where“B” is 2.0 inches for products having a thickness of at least 2.0 inches and where“B” is 1.5 inches for products having a thickness less than 2.0 inches, with at least duplicate specimens being tested for each lot, for a total of at least 6 different measured specimen values, and with the typical plane strain fracture toughness (Kic) (L-T) being the average of the at least 6 different valid Kic measured specimen values.
  • “typical plane strain fracture toughness (Kic) (S-L)” is determined in accordance with ASTM E399-12, by measuring the plane strain fracture toughness in the S- L direction at the T/2 location from at least three different lots of material using a C(T) specimen, where“W” and“B” are per the below table, with at least duplicate specimens being tested for each lot, for a total of at least 6 different measured specimen values, and with the typical plane strain fracture toughness (Kic) (S-L) being the average of the at least 6 different valid Kic measured specimen values.
  • additive manufacturing means“a process of joining materials to make objects from 3D model data, usually layer upon layer, as opposed to subtractive manufacturing methodologies”, as defined in ASTM F2792-12a entitled “Standard Terminology for Additively Manufacturing Technologies”.
  • additive manufacturing processes useful in producing aluminum alloy products include, for instance, DMLS (direct metal laser sintering), SLM (selective laser melting), SLS (selective laser sintering), and EBM (electron beam melting), among others.
  • Any suitable feedstocks made from the above new 7xxx aluminum alloys may be used, including one or more powders, one or more wires, one or more sheets, and combinations thereof.
  • the additive manufacturing feedstock is comprised of one or more powders comprising the new 7xxx aluminum alloys. Shavings are types of particles.
  • the additive manufacturing feedstock is comprised of one or more wires comprising the new 7xxx aluminum alloys.
  • a ribbon is a type of wire.
  • the additive manufacturing feedstock is comprised of one or more sheets comprising the new 7xxx aluminum alloys. Foil is a type of sheet.
  • the term“or” is an inclusive“or” operator, and is equivalent to the term“and/or,” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
  • the term“based on” is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
  • the meaning of “a,”“an,” and“the” include plural references, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
  • the meaning of“in” includes“in” and“on”, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
  • FIG. 1 is a graph illustrating the hot and humid stress corrosion cracking (SCC)
  • FIG. 2 is an illustration of a tensile specimen for testing HHSCC-G49 resistance properties.
  • FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating the hot and humid stress corrosion cracking (SCC) G168 performance of the Example 2 alloys.
  • Each alloy contained from 0.02 - 0.03 wt. % Ti as an incidental element; no one impurity exceeded 0.05 wt. %, and the total amount of impurities did not exceed 0.15 wt. % for each alloy.
  • the ingots were homogenized, scalped, and then hot rolled into plate.
  • the plates had a final gauge of about 1.125 inches (28.575 mm).
  • the plates were then flattened and then solution heat treated and then quenched in 195°F water.
  • the 195°F water quench simulates quench conditions for thick plates (e.g., plates having a final gauge thickness of about 8-12 inches).
  • the plates were stretched and then artificially aged to a T7 temper. Mechanical properties of the plates were then evaluated. Strength and elongation properties were measured in accordance with ASTM B557 and E8. Fracture toughness properties were measured in accordance with ASTM E399. The results are provided in Tables 2-3, below.
  • the new invention alloy realizes improved strength, elongation, and fracture toughness as compared to the conventional alloys.
  • the DCB curves for the 7085 and the 7050 bookmold alloys are consistent with those for the plant produced 7085-T7451 (152 mm) and 7050-T7451 (100 mm) plates.
  • the crack growth rate is much lower and the threshold stress intensity (Kiscc) is much higher for the invention alloy (7085+Ag).
  • the invention alloy realizes improved strength, elongation, toughness, and SCC resistance as compared to the conventional alloys.
  • Each alloy contained from 0.02 - 0.03 wt. % Ti as an incidental element; no one impurity exceeded 0.05 wt. %, and the total amount of impurities did not exceed 0.15 wt. % for each alloy.
  • the ingots were hot rolled to a final gauge of about 1.75 inches (44.45 mm).
  • the alloys were then solution heat treated and then quenched in hot water (190°F / 87.8°C), which simulates about 8-12 inch (20.32-30.48 cm) thick plate.
  • the plates were stretched and then artificially aged to various versions of a T7 temper. Mechanical properties of the plates were then evaluated. Strength and elongation properties were measured in accordance with ASTM B557 and E8. Fracture toughness properties were measured in accordance with ASTM E399. The results are provided in Tables
  • Alloy-Version of _ - _ indicates the alloy number per Table 4, above, followed by the aging condition of that alloy.
  • Alloy 1-1 means Alloy 1 shown in Table 4, above, aged per Aging practice 1.
  • Example 2 alloys were also subjected to Hot and Humid SCC (stress corrosion cracking) ASTM G49 testing (“HHSCC-G49”), as defined in the Summary of the Disclosure section, above, but with some specimens being tested at 90°C instead of 70°C.
  • HHSCC-G49 hot and Humid SCC ASTM G49 testing
  • Tables 7-8 below.
  • T(#) means the indicated specimen did not failed after the specified number of days in testing, e.g.,“T(42)” means the specimen did not failed after 42 days of testing.
  • T(#) means the indicated specimen did not failed after the specified number of days in testing, e.g.,“T(7)” means the specimen did not failed after 7 days of testing.
  • Example 2 alloys were also subjected to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) resistance in accordance with ASTM G44, 3.5% NaCl, Alternate Immersion, the results of which are shown in Table 9, below.
  • SCC stress corrosion cracking
  • *“OK90” means the sample passed final examination after 90 days of testing as per ASTM G47.
  • Example 2 alloys [0083] ASTM G168 testing per Example 1 was also tested on various ones of the Example 2 alloys.
  • FIG. 3 shows the results. Data for a conventional 7085 plate product (plant produced) is also provided in FIG. 3 for comparison purposes. Similar to the Example 1 results, the alloys having silver realized a much lower crack growth rate and a much higher threshold stress intensity (Kiscc).
  • Example 2 show that the new 7xxx+Ag alloys realize an improved combination of at least two of strength, ductility, fracture toughness and corrosion resistance.

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne de nouveaux alliages d'aluminium 7xxx. Les nouveaux alliages à base d'aluminium 7xxx comprennent généralement de 0,05 à 1,0 % en poids d'Ag. Selon un aspect, un nouvel alliage d'aluminium 7xxx comprend de 0,05 à 1,0 % en poids d'Ag, de 5,5 à 9,0 % en poids de Zn, de 1,2 à 2,6 % en poids de Cu, de 1,3 à 2,5 % en poids de Mg, jusqu'à 0,60 % en poids de Mn, jusqu'à 1,0 % en poids d'au moins un élément de régulation de structure de grain, le ou les éléments de régulation de structure de grain étant choisis dans le groupe constitué par Zr, Sc, Cr, V, Hf, d'autres éléments de terres rares, et des combinaisons de ceux-ci, jusqu'à 0,30 % en poids de Fe, jusqu'à 0,30 % en poids de Si, jusqu'à 0,15 % en poids de Ti, pas plus de 0,08 % en poids de Sc, et pas plus de 0,05 % en poids de Li, le reste étant de l'aluminium, des éléments et des impuretés incidents éventuels.
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CA3118152A1 (fr) 2020-05-22
CN113015816A (zh) 2021-06-22
WO2020102441A3 (fr) 2020-08-20
WO2020102441A2 (fr) 2020-05-22
EP3880857A4 (fr) 2022-08-03
US20210340656A1 (en) 2021-11-04

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