JP2020537039A - High-strength and highly moldable aluminum alloy and its manufacturing method - Google Patents

Abstract

High-strength, highly moldable aluminum alloys and methods for making and processing such alloys are described herein. The aluminum alloys described herein contain transition metal alloying elements to provide high strength and high formability. Processing methods include multi-step homogenization, hot and cold rolling, and solutionization steps. It also describes how to use the aluminum alloy. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

Cross-reference to related applications This application claims the interests of US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 575,573 filed October 23, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present disclosure relates to the fields of materials science, materials chemistry, metal manufacturing, aluminum alloys, and aluminum manufacturing. The present disclosure relates specifically to high-strength, highly moldable aluminum alloys and methods of making and processing them.

Aluminum alloys may exhibit high strength, in part due to the elemental content of the alloy. For example, high-strength 6xxx series aluminum alloys can be prepared by including high concentrations of certain elements such as magnesium (Mg), silicon (Si), and / or copper (Cu). However, aluminum alloys containing these elements in high concentrations exhibit poor molding properties. In particular, precipitates may form along the grain boundaries of the aluminum matrix. The formation of precipitates along the grain boundaries can increase the strength of the alloy, but adversely affects the deformation of the alloy (eg, it reduces bendability, formability, or any suitable desired deformability). .. In addition, alloys may exhibit reduced yield strength after artificial aging.

An exhaustive embodiment of the invention is defined by the claims, not the outline of the invention. An overview of the invention is a high-level overview of various aspects of the invention and introduces some of the concepts further described in the section on embodiments for carrying out the invention below. The outline of the present invention is intended to identify important or essential features of the claimed subject matter, but is also intended to be used alone to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. Not. The subject matter should be understood by reference to the entire specification, some or all drawings, and the appropriate part of each claim.

In the present specification, about 0.8 to 1.5% by weight of Si, 0.1 to 0.5% by weight of Fe, 0.5 to 1.0% by weight of Cu, 0.5 to 0.9% by weight. % Mg, maximum 0.1% by weight Ti, maximum 0.5% by weight Mn, maximum 0.5% by weight Cr, maximum 0.5% by weight Zr, maximum 0.5% by weight V, maximum An aluminum alloy containing 0.15% by weight of impurities and Al will be described. In some cases, the aluminum alloy is about 0.9-1.4% by weight Si, 0.1-0.35% by weight Fe, 0.6-0.9% by weight Cu, 0.6. ~ 0.9% by weight Mg, 0.01 to 0.09% by weight Ti, maximum 0.3% by weight Mn, maximum 0.3% by weight Cr, maximum 0.3% by weight Zr, maximum 0 It can contain up to 3% by weight V, up to 0.15% by weight of impurities, and Al. In some cases, the aluminum alloy is about 1.0-1.3% by weight Si, 0.1-0.25% by weight Fe, 0.7-0.9% by weight Cu, 0.6. ~ 0.8% by weight Mg, 0.01 to 0.05% by weight Ti, maximum 0.2% by weight Mn, maximum 0.2% by weight Cr, maximum 0.2% by weight Zr, maximum 0 It can contain 2% by weight V, up to 0.15% by weight of impurities, and Al. Optionally, the aluminum alloy comprises at least one of Mn, Cr, Zr, and V. In some examples, the total content of Mn, Cr, Zr, and / or V is at least about 0.14% by weight (eg, 0.14% by weight to about 0.4% by weight or about 0. 15% by weight to about 0.25% by weight). Optionally, the aluminum alloy contains about 0.01-0.3 wt% V. In some examples, the aluminum alloy contains excess Si, with an excess Si content of about 0.01 to about 1.0.

Aluminum alloy products, including the aluminum alloys described herein, are also described herein. Optionally, the aluminum alloy product comprises a cubic crystallographic structure rotated at least about 5% by volume. Aluminum alloy products can contain dispersed particles. Optionally, the dispersed particles are present in the aluminum alloy in an amount of at least about 1.5 million dispersed particles per mm ² . Optionally, the dispersed particles occupy an area ranging from about 0.5% to about 5% of the aluminum alloy product. In some cases, aluminum alloy products contain Fe-constituting. The Fe-component can include Al (Fe, X) Si phase particles. Optionally, the average particle size of the Fe-component is up to about 4 μm. Aluminum alloy products can exhibit a yield strength of at least about 300 MPa for T6 tempering and / or a uniform elongation of at least about 20% and a minimum bending angle of at least about 120 ° for T4 tempering.

In addition, a method of manufacturing an aluminum alloy product is described herein. The method comprises casting the aluminum alloys described herein to provide a cast article, homogenizing the cast article in a two-step homogenization process, and hot rolling and cold rolling the cast article. The final gauge aluminum alloy product is provided, the final gauge aluminum alloy product is subjected to solution heat treatment, and the final gauge aluminum alloy product is pre-aged. The two-step homogenization process heats the cast article to the first step homogenization temperature, keeps the cast article at the first step homogenization temperature for a time, and brings the cast article to the second step homogenization temperature. It can include further heating and holding the cast article for a second stage of homogenization temperature. Optionally, the first stage homogenization temperature is from about 470 ° C to about 530 ° C and the second stage homogenization temperature is from about 525 ° C to about 575 ° C. In some examples, the second stage homogenization temperature is higher than the first stage homogenization temperature.

Further aspects, objectives, and advantages will become apparent by considering the detailed description of the embodiments and figures for carrying out the invention below.

It is a graph which shows the tensile property of the aluminum alloy by a specific aspect of this disclosure. It is a micrograph which shows the particle structure of the aluminum alloy by a specific aspect of this disclosure. It is a graph which shows the mechanical property of the aluminum alloy by a specific aspect of this disclosure. It is a graph which shows the mechanical property of the aluminum alloy by a specific aspect of this disclosure. It is a graph which shows the mechanical property of the aluminum alloy by a specific aspect of this disclosure. It is a graph which shows the distribution of the recrystallized texture of an aluminum alloy by a specific aspect of this disclosure. It is a series of micrographs of an aluminum alloy according to a particular aspect of the present disclosure. It is a graph which shows the dispersed particle number density and the dispersed particle area fraction of the aluminum alloy by a specific aspect of this disclosure. It is a series of micrographs of an aluminum alloy according to a particular aspect of the present disclosure. It is a graph which shows the particle size distribution of Fe-component of an aluminum alloy by a specific aspect of this disclosure. It is a series of micrographs of an aluminum alloy according to a particular aspect of the present disclosure.

New aluminum alloys and products, as well as methods for preparing them, are described herein. Alloys exhibit high strength and high moldability. As further described herein, solute elements, including Cu, Mg, and Si, are transition elements (eg, Mn, Cr, Zn, and V) for synergistic effects that increase both the strength and formability of the alloy. ) Is combined. Transition elements help prevent the formation of precipitates along the grain boundaries of the aluminum alloy, as described further below. In addition, the processing methods used to prepare the alloy and product contribute to the high strength and moldability of the alloy and product.

Definition and description:
As used herein, the terms "invention,""invention,""invention," and "invention" are intended to broadly refer to all of the subject matter of this patent application and the claims below. Has been done. It should be understood that the description including these terms does not limit the subject matter described herein, nor does it limit the meaning or scope of the following claims.

In this description, the reference refers to an alloy identified by the designation of the aluminum industry, such as "series" or "AA6xxx". For an understanding of the most commonly used numbering systems for naming and identifying aluminum and its alloys, both are "International Alloy Designs and Chemical Competition Limited Aluminum Aluminum" published by The Aluminum Association. Or, see "Registration Record of Aluminum Alloys Alloy Designations and Chemical Compositions Limits for Aluminum Alloys in the Form of Castings and In."

As used herein, the meanings of "a," "an," or "the" include singular and plural references unless expressly specified otherwise in the context.

As used herein, "room temperature" means about 15 ° C to about 30 ° C, eg, about 15 ° C, about 16 ° C, about 17 ° C, about 18 ° C, about 19 ° C, about 20 ° C, It may include temperatures of about 21 ° C, about 22 ° C, about 23 ° C, about 24 ° C, about 25 ° C, about 26 ° C, about 27 ° C, about 28 ° C, about 29 ° C, or about 30 ° C.

As used herein, the plate generally has a thickness greater than about 15 mm. For example, the plate may refer to an aluminum product having a thickness of more than 15 mm, more than 20 mm, more than 25 mm, more than 30 mm, more than 35 mm, more than 40 mm, more than 45 mm, more than 50 mm, or more than 100 mm.

As used herein, the shade (also referred to as the sheet plate) generally has a thickness of about 4 mm to about 15 mm. For example, the shade can have a thickness of 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, or 15 mm.

As used herein, sheet generally refers to aluminum products with a thickness of less than about 4 mm. For example, the sheet can have a thickness of less than 4 mm, less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.5 mm, less than 0.3 mm, or less than 0.1 mm.

As used herein, terms such as "cast metal article", "cast article", "cast aluminum alloy" are interchangeable and direct chill casting (including direct chill co-casting) or semi-continuous casting. , Continuous casting (including using, for example, twin belt casting machine, twin roll casting machine, block casting machine, or any other continuous casting machine), electromagnetic casting, hot top casting, or any other casting method. Refers to the product manufactured by.

This application refers to the state or tempering of the alloy. For an understanding of the most commonly used alloy tempering descriptions, see "American National Standards (ANSI) H35 on Alloy and Temper Designations". F-state or temper refers to the as-manufactured aluminum alloy. O state or temper refers to the aluminum alloy after tempering. The T1 state or temper refers to an aluminum alloy that has been cooled from hot working and naturally aged (eg, at room temperature). T2 state or temper refers to an aluminum alloy that has been cooled from hot working, cold working and naturally aged. T3 state or temper refers to an aluminum alloy that has been solution heat treated, cold worked and naturally aged. The T4 state or temper refers to an aluminum alloy that has been solution heat treated and naturally aged. T5 state or temper refers to an aluminum alloy that has been cooled from hot working and artificially aged (at elevated temperature). T6 state or temper refers to an aluminum alloy that has been solution heat treated and artificially aged. The T7 state or temper refers to an aluminum alloy that has been solution heat treated and artificially overaged. T8x state or tempered, solution heat treated, cold processed and artificially aged aluminum alloy. T9 state or temper refers to an aluminum alloy that has been solution heat treated, artificially aged, and cold worked.

The following aluminum alloys are described as weight percentages (% by weight) based on the total weight of the alloys with respect to their elemental composition. In certain examples of each alloy, the balance is aluminum, with a maximum weight% of total impurities of 0.15% by weight.

Alloy Compositions This specification describes novel aluminum alloys. Alloys exhibit high strength and high moldability. In some cases, the elemental composition of the alloy can achieve the properties of the alloy. The aluminum alloy can be a precipitation hardening type or a precipitation hardening alloy. Optionally, the aluminum alloy may be a 2xxx series of aluminum alloys (eg, copper is the major alloying element), a 6xxx series of aluminum alloys (eg, magnesium and silicon are the major alloying elements), or It may be an aluminum alloy that can be classified into a 7xxx series aluminum alloy (for example, zinc is a major alloying element). In some cases, the aluminum alloy can be modified to a 2xxx series, 6xxx series, or 7xxx series aluminum alloy. As used herein, the term "modified" in connection with a series of aluminum alloys refers to alloy compositions that are usually classified within a particular series, but of one or more elements (types or quantities). Modifications result in different major alloying elements. For example, the modified 6xxx series of aluminum alloys can refer to aluminum alloys in which copper and silicon are the main alloying elements, rather than magnesium and silicon.

In some cases, the aluminum alloy may have the following elemental composition as provided in Table 1.

In other examples, the alloy may have the following elemental composition as provided in Table 2.

In one embodiment, the alloy may have the following elemental composition, as provided in Table 3.

In certain examples, the alloys described herein contain silicon (Si) from about 0.8% to about 1.5% (eg, about 0.9% to about 1) based on the total weight of the alloy. .45%, about 0.9% to about 1.4%, about 0.9% to about 1.35%, about 0.9% to about 1.3%, about 0.9% to about 1.25 %, About 0.9% to about 1.2%, about 0.95% to about 1.5%, about 0.95% to about 1.45%, about 0.95% to about 1.4%, About 0.95% to about 1.35%, about 0.95% to about 1.3%, about 0.95% to about 1.25%, about 0.95% to about 1.2%, about 1 .0% to about 1.5%, about 1.0% to about 1.45%, about 1.0% to about 1.4%, about 1.0% to about 1.35%, about 1.0 % To about 1.3%, about 1.0% to about 1.25%, or about 1.0% to about 1.2%). For example, the alloy contains Si 0.8%, 0.81%, 0.82%, 0.83%, 0.84%, 0.85%, 0.86%, 0.87%, 0.88. %, 0.89%, 0.9%, 0.91%, 0.92%, 0.93%, 0.94%, 0.95%, 0.96%, 0.97%, 0.98 %, 0,99%, 1.0%, 1.01%, 1.02%, 1.03%, 1.04%, 1.05%, 1.06%, 1.07%, 1.08 %, 1.09%, 1.1%, 1.11%, 1.12%, 1.13%, 1.14%, 1.15%, 1.16%, 1.17%, 1.18. %, 1.19%, 1.2%, 1.21%, 1.22%, 1.23%, 1.24%, 1.25%, 1.26%, 1.27%, 1.28 %, 1.29%, 1.3%, 1,31%, 1.32%, 1.33%, 1.34%, 1.35%, 1.36%, 1.37%, 1.38 %, 1.39%, 1.4%, 1.41%, 1.42%, 1.43%, 1.44%, 1.45%, 1.46%, 1.47%, 1,48 %, 1.49%, or 1.5% can be included. All expressed in% by weight.

In certain embodiments, the alloys described herein contain iron (Fe) from about 0.1% to about 0.5% (eg, about 0.1% to about 0) based on the total weight of the alloy. .45%, about 0.1% to about 0.4%, about 0.1% to about 0.35%, about 0.1% to about 0.3%, about 0.1% to about 0.25 %, About 0.1% to about 0.2%, about 0.15% to about 0.45%, about 0.15% to about 0.4%, about 0.15% to about 0.35%, About 0.15% to about 0.3%, about 0.15% to about 0.25%, about 0.15% to about 0.2%, about 0.2% to about 0.45%, about 0 .2% to about 0.4%, about 0.2% to about 0.35%, about 0.2% to about 0.3%, about 0.2% to about 0.25%, about 0.25 % To about 0.45%, about 0.25% to about 0.4%, about 0.25% to about 0.35%, about 0.25% to about 0.3%, about 0.3% to Included in an amount of about 0.45%, about 0.3% to about 0.4%, or about 0.3% to about 0.35%). For example, the alloy contains Fe as 0.1%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0. 18%, 0.19%, 0.2%, 0.21%, 0.22%, 0.23%, 0.24%, 0.25%, 0.26%, 0.27%, 0. 28%, 0.29%, 0.3%, 0.31%, 0.32%, 0.33%, 0.34%, 0.35%, 0.36%, 0.37%, 0. 38%, 0.39%, 0.4%, 0.41%, 0.42%, 0.43%, 0.44%, 0.45%, 0.46%, 0.47%, 0. It can include 48%, 0.49%, or 0.5%. All expressed in% by weight.

In certain examples, the alloys described herein contain copper (Cu) from about 0.5% to about 1.0% (eg, about 0.55% to about 1) based on the total weight of the alloy. 0.0%, about 0.6% to about 1.0%, about 0.65% to about 1.0%, about 0.7% to about 1.0%, about 0.75% to about 1.0 %, About 0.8% to about 1.0%, about 0.5% to about 0.95%, about 0.55% to about 0.95%, about 0.6% to about 0.95%, About 0.65% to about 0.95%, about 0.7% to about 0.95%, about 0.75% to about 0.95%, about 0.8% to about 0.95%, about 0 .5% to about 0.9%, about 0.55% to about 0.9%, about 0.6% to about 0.9%, about 0.65% to about 0.9%, about 0.7 % ~ About 0.9%, about 0.75% ~ about 0.9%, about 0.8% ~ about 0.9%, about 0.5% ~ about 0.85%, about 0.55% ~ About 0.85%, about 0.6% to about 0.85%, about 0.65% to about 0.85%, about 0.7% to about 0.85%, about 0.75% to about 0 .85%, about 0.8% to about 0.85%, about 0.5% to about 0.8%, about 0.55% to about 0.8%, about 0.6% to about 0.8 %, About 0.65% to about 0.8%, about 0.7% to about 0.8%, or about 0.75% to about 0.8%). For example, the alloy contains Cu at 0.5%, 0.51%, 0.52%, 0.53%, 0.54%, 0.55%, 0.56%, 0.57%, 0. 58%, 0.59%, 0.6%, 061%, 0.62%, 0.63%, 0.64%, 0.65%, 0.66%, 0.67%, 0.68% , 0.69%, 0.7%, 0.71%, 0.72%, 0.73%, 0.74%, 0.75%, 0.76%, 0.77%, 0.78% , 0.79%, 0.8%, 0.81%, 0.82%, 0.83%, 0.84%, 0.85%, 0.86%, 0.87%, 0.88% , 0.89%, 0.9%, 0.91%, 0.92%, 0.93%, 0.94%, 0.95%, 0.96%, 0.97%, 0.98% , 0.99% or 1.0% can be included. All expressed in% by weight.

In certain examples, the alloys described herein contain magnesium (Mg) from about 0.5% to about 0.9% (eg, about 0.55% to about) based on the total weight of the alloy. 0.9%, about 0.6% to about 0.9%, about 0.65% to about 0.9, about 0.7% to about 0.9%, about 0.75% to about 0.9 %, About 0.8% to about 0.9%, about 0.5% to about 0.85%, about 0.55% to about 0.85%, about 0.6% to about 0.85%, About 0.65% to about 0.85%, about 0.7% to about 0.85%, about 0.75% to about 0.85%, about 0.8% to about 0.85%, about 0 .5% to about 0.8%, about 0.55% to about 0.8%, about 0.6% to about 0.8%, about 0.65% to about 0.8%, about 0.7 % To about 0.8%, or about 0.75% to about 0.8%). For example, the alloy contains Mg at 0.5%, 0.51%, 0.52%, 0.53%, 0.54%, 0.55%, 0.56%, 0.57%, 0. 58%, 0.59%, 0.6%, 0.61%, 0.62%, 0.63%, 0.64%, 0.65%, 0.66%, 0.67%, 0. 68%, 0.69%, 0.7%, 0.71%, 0.72%, 0.73%, 0.74%, 0.75%, 0.76%, 0.77%, 0. 78%, 0.79%, 0.8%, 0.81%, 0.82%, 0.83%, 0.84%, 0.85%, 0.86%, 0.87%, 0. It can include 88%, 0.89%, or 0.9%. All expressed in% by weight.

In certain embodiments, the alloys described herein contain up to about 0.1% (eg, about 0.01% to about 0.09%, about 0.09%) of titanium (Ti), based on the total weight of the alloy. 0.02% to about 0.09%, about 0.03% to about 0.09%, about 0.04% to about 0.09%, about 0.05% to about 0.09%, about 0. 01% to about 0.08%, about 0.02% to about 0.08%, about 0.03% to about 0.08%, about 0.04% to about 0.08%, about 0.05% ~ About 0.08%, about 0.01% ~ about 0.07%, about 0.02% ~ about 0.07%, about 0.03% ~ about 0.07%, about 0.04% ~ about 0.07%, about 0.05% to about 0.07%, about 0.01% to about 0.06%, about 0.02% to about 0.06%, about 0.03% to about 0. 06%, about 0.04% to about 0.06%, about 0.05% to about 0.06%, about 0.01% to about 0.05%, about 0.02% to about 0.05% , About 0.03% to about 0.05%, or about 0.04% to about 0.05%). For example, the alloy contains Ti at 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0. It can contain 09%, or 0.1%. In some examples, Ti is absent in the alloy (ie 0% Ti). All expressed in% by weight.

In certain examples, the alloys described herein contain manganese (Mn) up to about 0.5%, based on the total weight of the alloy (eg, about 0.01% to about 0.5%). , About 0.01% to about 0.4%, about 0.01% to about 0.3%, about 0.01% to about 0.2%, about 0.01% to about 0.1%, about 0.06 to about 0.5%, about 0.06% to about 0.4%, about 0.06% to about 0.3%, about 0.06% to about 0.2%, about 0.06 % To about 0.1%, about 0.1% to about 0.5%, about 0.1% to about 0.4%, about 0.1% to about 0.3%, or about 0.1% ~ About 0.2%). For example, the alloy contains Mn of 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0. 09%, 0.1%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0. 19%, 0.2%, 0.21%, 0.22%, 0.23%, 0.24%, 0.25%, 0.26%, 0.27%, 0.28%, 0. 29%, 0.3%, 0.31%, 0.32%, 0.33%, 0.34%, 0.35%, 0.36%, 0.37%, 0.38%, 0. 39%, 0.4%, 0.41%, 0.42%, 0.43%, 0.44%, 0.45%, 0.46%, 0.47%, 0.48%, 0. It can contain 49%, or 0.5%. In some examples, Mn is absent in the alloy (ie, 0% Mn). All expressed in% by weight.

In certain embodiments, the alloys described herein contain chromium (Cr) up to about 0.5% (eg, about 0.01% to about 0.5%, about 0.5%, based on the total weight of the alloy. 0.01% to about 0.4%, about 0.01% to about 0.3%, about 0.01% to about 0.2%, about 0.01% to about 0.1%, about 0. 06 to about 0.5%, about 0.06% to about 0.4%, about 0.06% to about 0.3%, about 0.06% to about 0.2%, about 0.06% to About 0.1%, about 0.1% to about 0.5%, about 0.1% to about 0.4%, about 0.1% to about 0.3%, or about 0.1% to about Included in an amount of 0.2%). For example, the alloy contains Cr as 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0. 09%, 0.1%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0. 19%, 0.2%, 0.21%, 0.22%, 0.23%, 0.24%, 0.25%, 0.26%, 0.27%, 0.28%, 0. 29%, 0.3%, 0.31%, 0.32%, 0.33%, 0.34%, 0.35%, 0.36%, 0.37%, 0.38%, 0. 39%, 0.4%, 0.41%, 0.42%, 0.43%, 0.44%, 0.45%, 0.46%, 0.47%, 0.48%, 0. It can contain 49%, or 0.5%. In some examples, Cr is absent in the alloy (ie 0% Cr). All expressed in% by weight.

In certain embodiments, the alloys described herein contain zirconium (Zr) up to about 0.5% (eg, about 0.01% to about 0.5%), based on the total weight of the alloy. About 0.01% to about 0.4%, about 0.01% to about 0.3%, about 0.01% to about 0.2%, about 0.01% to about 0.1%, about 0 .06 to about 0.5%, about 0.06% to about 0.4%, about 0.06% to about 0.3%, about 0.06% to about 0.2%, about 0.06% ~ About 0.1%, about 0.1% ~ about 0.5%, about 0.1% ~ about 0.4%, about 0.1% ~ about 0.3%, or about 0.1% ~ Approximately 0.2%). For example, the alloy contains Zr at 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0. 09%, 0.1%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0. 19%, 0.2%, 0.21%, 0.22%, 0.23%, 0.24%, 0.25%, 0.26%, 0.27%, 0.28%, 0. 29%, 0.3%, 0.31%, 0.32%, 0.33%, 0.34%, 0.35%, 0.36%, 0.37%, 0.38%, 0. 39%, 0.4%, 0.41%, 0.42%, 0.43%, 0.44%, 0.45%, 0.46%, 0.47%, 0.48%, 0. It can contain 49%, or 0.5%. In certain embodiments, Zr is absent in the alloy (ie, 0%). All expressed in% by weight.

In certain embodiments, the alloys described herein contain vanadium (V) up to about 0.5% (eg, about 0.01% to about 0.5%, about 0.5%) based on the total weight of the alloy. 0.01% to about 0.4%, about 0.01% to about 0.3%, about 0.01% to about 0.2%, about 0.01% to about 0.1%, about 0. 06 to about 0.5%, about 0.06% to about 0.4%, about 0.06% to about 0.3%, about 0.06% to about 0.2%, about 0.06% to About 0.1%, about 0.1% to about 0.5%, about 0.1% to about 0.4%, about 0.1% to about 0.3%, or about 0.1% to about Included in an amount of 0.2%). For example, the alloy contains V of 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0. 09%, 0.1%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0. 19%, 0.2%, 0.21%, 0.22%, 0.23%, 0.24%, 0.25%, 0.26%, 0.27%, 0.28%, 0. 29%, 0.3%, 0.31%, 0.32%, 0.33%, 0.34%, 0.35%, 0.36%, 0.37%, 0.38%, 0. 39%, 0.4%, 0.41%, 0.42%, 0.43%, 0.44%, 0.45%, 0.46%, 0.47%, 0.48%, 0. It can contain 49%, or 0.5%. In certain embodiments, V is absent in the alloy (ie, 0% V). All expressed in% by weight.

Optionally, the alloy composition contains other trace elements, sometimes referred to as impurities, of about 0.05% or less, 0.04% or less, 0.03% or less, 0.02% or less, respectively. , Or in an amount of 0.01% or less. Examples of these impurities include, but are not limited to, Ni, Sc, Sn, Ga, Hf, Sr, or a combination thereof. Therefore, Ni, Sc, Sn, Ga, Hf, or Sr is 0.05% or less, or 0.04% or less, or 0.03% or less, or 0.02% or less, or 0.01% or less. It may be present in the alloy in quantity. In certain embodiments, the sum of all impurities does not exceed 0.15% (eg, 0.1%). All expressed in% by weight. Aluminum is also included in the alloy composition. In certain embodiments, the remaining proportion of the alloy is aluminum.

One non-limiting example of a suitable alloy is 1.20% Si, 0.18% Fe, 0.80% Cu, 0.70% Mg, 0.02% Ti, 0. It contains .13% Mn, 0.07% Cr, up to 0.15% total impurities, and the rest Al. In some cases, another non-limiting example of a suitable alloy is 1.20% Si, 0.18% Fe, 0.80% Cu, 0.70% Mg, 0. It contains 02% Ti, 0.14% Cr, up to 0.15% total impurities, and the rest Al. In some cases, another non-limiting example of a suitable alloy is 1.20% Si, 0.18% Fe, 0.80% Cu, 0.70% Mg, 0. It contains 02% Ti, 0.07% Cr, 0.11% Zr, up to 0.15% total impurities, and the rest Al. In some cases, another non-limiting example of a suitable alloy is 1.20% Si, 0.18% Fe, 0.80% Cu, 0.70% Mg, 0. It contains 02% Ti, 0.08% Cr, 0.11% V, and up to 0.15% total impurities, with Al remaining. In some cases, another non-limiting example of a suitable alloy is 1.20% Si, 0.18% Fe, 0.80% Cu, 0.70% Mg, 0. It contains 02% Ti, 0.09% Zr, 0.10% V, and up to 0.15% total impurities, the rest Al. In some cases, another non-limiting example of a suitable alloy is 1.20% Si, 0.18% Fe, 0.80% Cu, 0.70% Mg, 0. It contains 02% Ti, 0.09% Mn, 0.10% V, and up to 0.15% total impurities, the rest Al.

Ultrastructure and Properties of Alloys In certain embodiments, the content and proportions of Si, Mg, and Cu are controlled to increase strength and formability. Optionally, the transition element (eg, Mn, Cr, Zr, and / or V) content is controlled to increase strength and moldability.

In some cases, the alloys described herein contain excess Si. Optionally, the Si and Mg contents are controlled so that excess Si is present in the alloy, as described herein. Excess Si content can be calculated according to the method described in US Pat. No. 4,614,552, column 4, lines 49-52, which is incorporated herein by reference. Simply put, Mg and Si combine as Mg ₂ Si, resulting in a significant strength improvement after age hardening. Further, Si-containing components such as Al (FeMn) Si may be formed. When the Si content exceeds the stoichiometric ratio of Mg ₂ Si and exceeds the amount contained in the Al (FeMn) Si component, excess Si is present. The excess Si content can be calculated by subtracting the Si required for the Mg ₂ Si (Mg / 1.73) and Fe-containing phase (Fe / 3) from the total Si content. The excess Si content can be 1.0 or less (eg, about 0.01 to about 1.0, about 0.1 to about 0.9, or about 0.5 to 0.8). For example, the excess Si content is 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.10, 0. .15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75 , 0.80, 0.85, 0.90, 0.95, 1.0, or any value in between.

In some embodiments, the alloys described herein contain at least one transition element (eg, at least one of Mn, Cr, Zr, and / or V). Optionally, the total content of transition elements in the alloys described herein is at least about 0.14% by weight. For example, the total content of Mn, Cr, Zr, and / or V is from about 0.14% to about 0.40% (eg, about 0.15% to about 0.35% or about 0). It can be 0.25% by weight to about 0.30% by weight). In some cases, the total content of Mn, Cr, Zr, and / or V is about 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0. 19%, 0.2%, 0.21%, 0.22%, 0.23%, 0.24%, 0.25%, 0.26%, 0.27%, 0.28%, 0. 29%, 0.3%, 0.31%, 0.32%, 0.33%, 0.34%, 0.35%, 0.36%, 0.37%, 0.38%, 0. 39%, or 0.4%. In some cases, one or more of the transition elements may not be present, as long as the total weight percentage of the transition elements present is at least 0.14% by weight.

The presence of one or more of the transition elements such as Mn, Cr, Zr, and / or V can advantageously form dispersed particles during the processing methods described herein, such as during homogenization steps. .. The dispersed particles can function as non-uniform nucleation sites of the precipitate during processing steps such as the solution heat treatment step. In certain embodiments, grain boundary (GB) precipitation occurs due to misalignment of GB, which favors precipitation nucleation. The dispersed particles reduce or remove GB precipitates and also reduce strain localization, thus diffusing the strain distribution during deformation. The reduced or removed GB precipitates and / or the diffuse strain distribution during deformation improves the bendability of the resulting alloys and alloy products.

In some non-limiting examples, the dispersed particles described herein can contain Al and one or more of the alloying elements found in the alloy compositions described above. In some examples, the dispersed particles can have a composition of one or more of the following formulas: AlX, AlXX, AlXSi, Al (Fe, X), Al (Fe, X) Si, etc. Among them, each X is selected from the group consisting of Fe, Si, Mn, Cr, V, or Zr.

The average size and distribution of dispersed particles is an important factor in providing the desired strength and molding properties exhibited by the alloys and alloy products described herein. The dimensions and distribution are affected by the presence of transition elements as described above, and also by the method of processing the alloy, as described further below. In some examples, dispersed particles can be present in the aluminum alloy in an average amount of at least about 1.5 million dispersed particles per square millimeter (mm ² ). For example, the dispersed particles is at least about 1,600,000 pieces of dispersed particles / mm ^2, at least about 1,700,000 pieces of dispersed particles / mm ^2, at least about 1,800,000 pieces of dispersed particles / mm ² , At least about 1900,000 dispersed particles / mm ² , at least about 2,000,000 dispersed particles / mm ² , at least about 2.100,000 dispersed particles / mm ² , at least about 2, 200,000 dispersed particles / mm ² , at least about 2.300,000 dispersed particles / mm ² , at least about 2400,000 dispersed particles / mm ² , at least about ^2.5 million dispersed particles / mm ² . Dispersed particles / mm ² , at least about 2.6 million dispersed particles / mm ² , at least about 2.700,000 dispersed particles / mm ² , at least about 2.800,000 dispersed particles / mm ^2. , At least about 2900,000 dispersed particles / mm ² , or at least about 3,000,000 dispersed particles / mm ² . In some instances, the average number of the dispersed particles present in the aluminum alloy, 1 mm ² per about 1,500,000 of the dispersed particles ~ 1 mm ² per about 5,000,000 of the dispersed particles (e.g., 1 mm ² per about 1,750,000 pieces of dispersed particles ~ 1 mm ² per about 4,750,000 units of the dispersed particles or 1 mm ² per about 2,000,000 of the dispersed particles ~ 1 mm ² per 4,500, 000 dispersed particles). The dispersed particles in the aluminum alloy have an area ranging from about 0.5% to about 5% of the alloy (eg, about 1% to about 4%, or about 1.5% to about 2.5% of the alloy). Can occupy.

Optionally, the dispersed particles are averaged from about 10 nm to about 600 nm (eg, about 50 nm to about 500 nm, about 100 nm to about 450 nm, about 200 nm to about 400 nm, about 10 nm to about 200 nm, or about 500 nm to about 600 nm). Can have a diameter. For example, the dispersed particles are about 10 nm, 20 nm, 30 nm, 40 nm, 50 nm, 60 nm, 70 nm, 80 nm, 90 nm, 100 nm, 110 nm, 120 nm, 130 nm, 140 nm, 150 nm, 160 nm, 170 nm, 180 nm, 190 nm, 200 nm, 210 nm and 220 nm. , 230 nm, 240 nm, 250 nm, 260 nm, 270 nm, 280 nm, 290 nm, 300 nm, 310 nm, 320 nm, 330 nm, 340 nm, 350 nm, 360 nm, 370 nm, 380 nm, 390 nm, 400 nm, 410 nm, 420 nm, 430 nm, 440 nm, 450 nm, 460 nm, 470 nm. It can have a diameter of 480 nm, 490 nm, 500 nm, 510 nm, 520 nm, 530 nm, 540 nm, 550 nm, 560 nm, 570 nm, 580 nm, 590 nm, 600 nm, or any value in between.

The alloys described herein include Fe-constituting, also referred to herein as Fe-containing particles. Optionally, in addition to Fe, the Fe-component can include one or more of Al, Mn, Si, Cu, Ti, Zr, Cr, and / or Mg. In some examples, the Fe-constituent can be Al (Fe, X) Si phase particles, where X can be Mn, Cr, Zr, and / or V, and / or AlFeSi phase particles. For example, the Fe-components are Al ₃ Fe, Al _x (Fe, Mn), Al ₃ Fe, Al ₁₂ (Fe, Mn) ₃ Si, Al ₇ Cu ₂ Fe, Al (Fe, Mn) ₂ Si ₃ , It can contain one or more of Al _x (Mn, Fe) and Al ₁₂ (Fe, Mn) ₃ Si. ) The presence of the transition elements described herein results in the conversion of AlFeSi particles to Al (Fe, X) Si particles. In some examples, the number of Al (Fe, X) Si phase particles, which are spheroidal particles, is greater than the number of AlFeSi phase particles, which are flakes or acicular particles. Optionally, at least 50% of the Fe-component is present as Al (Fe, X) Si particles (eg, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least of the Fe-component). 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95% are present as Al (Fe, X) Si particles). The Fe-component can have an average particle size of up to about 4 μm. For example, Fe-consists may, on average, range in size from about 0.1 μm to about 4 μm (eg, about 0.5 μm to about 3.5 μm or about 1 μm to about 3 μm).

Optionally, the content and ratio of Cr, Mn, Zr, and / or V is controlled to form the desired size, type, and distribution of dispersed particles, thereby improving moldability and strength. Will be done. In some non-limiting examples, the Cr to Mn ratio (also referred to herein as the Cr / Mn ratio) is about 0.15: 1 to about 0.7: 1 (eg, about 0.3 :). It can be 1 to about 0.6: 1 or about 0.4: 1 to about 0.55: 1). For example, the Cr / Mn ratios are about 0.15: 1, 0.16: 1, 0.17: 1.0, 0.18: 1.0, 0.19: 1, 0.20: 1, 0. .21; 1, 0.22: 1, 0.23: 1, 0.24: 1, 0.25: 1, 0.26: 1, 0.27: 1, 0.28: 1, 0.29 1, 0.30: 1, 0.31; 1, 0.32: 1, 0.33: 1, 0.34: 1, 0.35: 1, 0.36: 1, 0.37: 1 , 0.38: 1, 0.39: 1, 0.40: 1, 0.41: 1, 0.42: 1, 0.43: 1, 0.44: 1, 0.45: 1, 0 .46: 1, 0.47: 1, 0.48: 1, 0.49: 1, 0.50: 1, 0.51: 1, 0.52: 1, 0.53: 1, 0.54 1, 0.55: 1, 0.56: 1, 0.57: 1, 0.58: 1, 0.59: 1, 0.60: 1, 0.61: 1, 0.62: 1 , 0.63: 1, 0.64: 1,0.65: 1, 0.66: 1, 0.67: 1, 0.68: 1, 0.69: 1, or 0.70: 1. possible.

In some non-limiting examples, the Cr to V ratio (also referred to herein as the Cr / V ratio) is about 0.5: 1 to about 1.5: 1 (eg, about 0.6 :). It can be 1 to about 1.4: 1 or about 0.7: 1 to about 1.3: 1). For example, the Cr / V ratios are about 0.50: 1, 0.51: 1, 0.52: 1, 0.53: 1, 0.54: 1, 0.55: 1, 0.56: 1. , 0.57: 1, 0.58: 1, 0.59: 1, 0.60: 1, 0.61: 1, 0.62: 1, 0.63: 1, 0.64: 1, 0 .65: 1, 0.66: 1, 0.67: 1, 0.68: 1, 0.69: 1, 0.70: 1, 0.71: 1, 0.72: 1, 0.73 1, 0.74: 1, 0.75: 1, 0.76: 1, 0.77: 1, 0.78: 1, 0.79: 1, 0.80: 1, 0.81: 1. , 0.82: 1, 0.83: 1, 0.84: 1, 0.85: 1, 0.86: 1, 0.87: 1, 0.88: 1, 0.89: 1, 0 .90: 1, 0.91: 1, 0.92: 1, 0.93: 1, 0.94: 1, 0.95: 1, 0.96: 1, 0.97: 1, 0.98 It can be 1, 0.99: 1, 1.0: 1, 1.1: 1, 1.2: 1, 1.3: 1, 1.4: 1, or 1.5: 1.

In some non-limiting examples, the Cr to Zr ratio (also referred to herein as the Cr / Zr ratio) is about 0.5: 1 to about 1.5: 1 (eg, about 0.6 :). It can be 1 to about 1.4: 1 or about 0.7: 1 to about 1.3: 1). For example, the Cr / Zr ratios are about 0.50: 1, 0.51: 1, 0.52: 1, 0.53: 1, 0.54: 1, 0.55: 1, 0.56: 1. , 0.57: 1, 0.58: 1, 0.59: 1, 0.60: 1, 0.61: 1, 0.62: 1, 0.63: 1, 0.64: 1, 0 .65: 1, 0.66: 1, 0.67: 1, 0.68: 1, 0.69: 1, 0.70: 1, 0.71: 1, 0.72: 1, 0.73 1, 0.74: 1, 0.75: 1, 0.76: 1, 0.77: 1, 0.78: 1, 0.79: 1, 0.80: 1, 0.81: 1. , 0.82: 1, 0.83: 1, 0.84: 1, 0.85: 1, 0.86: 1, 0.87: 1, 0.88: 1, 0.89: 1, 0 .90: 1, 0.91: 1, 0.92: 1, 0.93: 1, 0.94: 1, 0.95: 1, 0.96: 1, 0.97: 1, 0.98 It can be 1, 0.99: 1, 1.0: 1, 1.1: 1, 1.2: 1, 1.3: 1, 1.4: 1, or 1.5: 1.

In some non-limiting examples, the V to Mn ratio (also referred to herein as the V / Mn ratio) is about 0.8: 1 to about 1.4: 1 (eg, about 0.9 :). It can be 1 to about 1.3: 1 or about 0.9: 1 to about 1.2: 1). For example, the V / Mn ratios are about 0.80: 1, 0.81: 1, 0.82: 1, 0.83: 1, 0.84: 1, 0.85: 1, 0.86: 1. , 0.87: 1, 0.88: 1, 0.89: 1, 0.90: 1, 0.91: 1, 0.92: 1, 0.93: 1, 0.94: 1, 0 .95: 1, 0.96: 1, 0.97: 1, 0.98: 1, 0.99: 1, 1.0: 1, 1.1: 1, 1.2: 1, 1.3 It can be 1, 1, 1.4: 1.

In some non-limiting examples, the V to Zr ratio (also referred to herein as the V / Zr ratio) is about 0.8: 1 to about 1.4: 1 (eg, about 0.9 :). It can be 1 to about 1.3: 1 or about 0.9: 1 to about 1.2: 1). For example, the V / Zr ratios are about 0.80: 1, 0.81: 1, 0.82: 1, 0.83: 1, 0.84: 1, 0.85: 1, 0.86: 1. , 0.87: 1, 0.88: 1, 0.89: 1, 0.90: 1, 0.91: 1, 0.92: 1, 0.93: 1, 0.94: 1, 0 .95: 1, 0.96: 1, 0.97: 1, 0.98: 1, 0.99: 1, 1.0: 1, 1.1: 1, 1.2: 1, 1.3 It can be 1, 1, 1.4: 1.

In some non-limiting examples, the V to Cr ratio (also referred to herein as the V / Cr ratio) is about 0.8: 1 to about 1.4: 1 (eg, about 0.9 :). It can be 1 to about 1.3: 1 or about 0.9: 1 to about 1.2: 1). For example, the V / Cr ratios are about 0.80: 1, 0.81: 1, 0.82: 1, 0.83: 1, 0.84: 1, 0.85: 1, 0.86: 1. , 0.87: 1, 0.88: 1, 0.89: 1, 0.90: 1, 0.91: 1, 0.92: 1, 0.93: 1, 0.94: 1, 0 .95: 1, 0.96: 1, 0.97: 1, 0.98: 1, 0.99: 1, 1.0: 1, 1.1: 1, 1.2: 1, 1.3 It can be: 1 or 1.4: 1.

The mechanical properties of the aluminum alloy can be further controlled by various aging conditions, depending on the desired use. As an example, alloys can be manufactured (or provided) with T4 or T6 tempering. In some non-limiting examples, the proposed alloy has very high formability and bendability at T4 and very high strength at T6 tempering. In certain embodiments, the aluminum alloy can have a T4 yield strength in the range of about 150 MPa to about 250 MPa (eg, about 150 MPa, about 160 MPa, about 170 MPa, about 180 MPa, about 190 MPa, about 200 MPa, 210 MPa, about 220 MPa. , About 230 MPa, about 240 MPa, or about 250 MPa). In some cases, the yield strength is from about 185 MPa to about 195 MPa.

In certain embodiments, the alloy in the T4 temper provides a uniform elongation of at least about 20% (eg, about 20% to about 30% or about 22% to about 26%). For example, uniform elongation is about 20%, about 21%, about 22%, about 23, about 24%, about 25%, about 26%, about 27%, about 28%, about 29%, or about 30%. Can be. Optionally, uniform elongation is measured in the longitudinal (L) direction.

Optionally, the T4 tempered alloy provides a bending angle of at least 120 ° when tested according to VDA 238-100. For example, the bending angles are from about 120 ° to about 140 ° (eg, 120 °, 121 °, 122 °, 123 °, 124 °, 125 °, 126 °, 127 °, 128 °, 129 °, 130 °, 131). °, 132 °, 133 °, 134 °, 135 °, 136 °, 137 °, 138 °, 139 °, or 140 °). In some non-limiting examples, the inclusion of V can improve the formability of the alloy. For example, alloys containing V show an increase in bending angle of up to 10 ° compared to alloys containing no V (eg, at least about 5 °, at least about 6 °, at least about 7 °, at least about 8 °, Indicates improvement of at least about 9 °, at least about 10 °, or any value in between).

In certain embodiments, the aluminum alloy can have a yield strength of at least about 200 MPa at T6 tempering. In a non-limiting example, the yield strength is at least about 200 MPa, at least about 210 MPa, at least about 220 MPa, at least about 230 MPa, at least about 240 MPa, at least about 250 MPa, at least about 260 MPa, at least about 270 MPa, at least about 280 MPa, at least about 290 MPa. , At least about 300 MPa, at least about 310 MPa, at least about 320 MPa, at least about 330 MPa, at least about 340 MPa, at least about 350 MPa, at least about 360 MPa, at least about 370 MPa, or at least about 375 MPa. In some cases, the yield strength is from about 200 MPa to about 400 MPa, (eg, about 200 MPa, about 210 MPa, about 220 MPa, about 230 MPa, about 240 MPa, about 250 MPa, about 260 MPa, about 270 MPa, about 280 MPa, about 290 MPa, about. It is 300 MPa, about 310 MPa, about 320 MPa, about 330 MPa, about 340 MPa, about 350 MPa, about 360 MPa, about 370 MPa, or about 375 MPa.

In certain embodiments, the alloy in the T6 temper provides a uniform elongation of at least about 5% (eg, about 5% to about 10% or about 6% to about 9%). For example, the uniform elongation can be about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, or about 10%. Optionally, uniform elongation is measured in the longitudinal (L) direction.

The alloy product also contains a recrystallized texture component on the surface of the alloy product. For example, alloy products include cubes, goth, brass, S, Cu, and one or more of the recrystallized texture components of a rotated cube (called "RC"), optionally. At least about 5% by volume of rotated cubic structural components are present in the alloy product (eg, about 5% to about 20% by volume, about 6% to about 18% by volume, about 8% to about 15% by volume). , About 10% to about 13% by volume, or about 5% to about 6% by volume). Such rotated cubic structure components can result in the desired bending of the alloy product.

Methods for Preparing Aluminum Alloys Although not intended to limit the present invention, the properties of aluminum alloys are partially determined by the formation of microstructures during the preparation of the alloy. In certain embodiments, the method of preparing the alloy composition can affect or determine whether the alloy has properties suitable for the desired application.

Casting The alloys described herein can be cast into cast articles using any suitable casting method. For example, the casting process can include a direct chill (DC) casting process. Optionally, the casting process can include a continuous casting (CC) process. The cast article can then be subjected to further processing steps. For example, the processing methods described herein can include steps of homogenization, hot rolling, cold rolling, and solutionification. In some cases, the processing method can also include a pre-aging step and / or an artificial aging step.

The homogenization step can include a two-step heating process. In the first step of the homogenization process, the cast article prepared from the alloy compositions described herein can be heated to the first step homogenization temperature (eg, dispersed particle nucleation temperature). The homogenization temperature of the first stage is from about 470 ° C to about 530 ° C (eg, about 470 ° C, about 480 ° C, about 490 ° C, about 500 ° C, about 510 ° C, about 520 ° C, about 530 ° C, or in between. Either value). In some cases, the heating rate to the first homogenization temperature is about 100 ° C./hour or less, 75 ° C./hour or less, 50 ° C./hour or less, 40 ° C./hour or less, 30 ° C./hour or less, 25. It can be ℃ / hour or less, 20 ℃ / hour or less, or 15 ℃ / hour or less. In other cases, the heating rate to the first homogenization temperature is from about 10 ° C./min to about 100 ° C./min (eg, about 15 ° C./min to about 90 ° C./min, about 20 ° C./min-. It can be about 80 ° C./min, about 30 ° C./min to about 80 ° C./min, about 40 ° C./min to about 70 ° C./min, about 45 ° C./min to about 65 ° C./min,).

The cast article is then heat-isolated for a period of time (ie, kept at the indicated temperature). According to one non-limiting example, the cast article can be thermalized for up to about 6 hours (eg, comprehensively about 30 minutes to about 6 hours). For example, the cast article is averaged at a temperature of about 470 ° C to about 530 ° C for 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, or any time in between. Can be heated.

In the second stage of the homogenization process, the temperature of the cast aluminum alloy article is raised to a temperature higher than the temperature used in the first stage of the homogenization process. The temperature of the cast aluminum alloy article can be raised, for example, to a temperature at least 5 ° C. higher than the temperature of the cast aluminum alloy article during the first step of the homogenization process. For example, the cast article has a second stage homogenization temperature of about 525 ° C to about 575 ° C (eg, about 530 ° C to about 570 ° C) (eg, about 530 ° C to about 570 ° C or about 535 ° C to 565 ° C). In some cases, the homogenization temperature of the second step is about 525 ° C, about 530 ° C, 535 ° C, about 540 ° C, in the second homogenization step. It can be heated to a temperature of about 545 ° C, about 550 ° C, about 555 ° C, about 560 ° C, about 565 ° C, about 570 ° C, about 575 ° C, or any value in between). In some cases, the heating rate to the homogenization temperature of the second step can be about 50 ° C./hour or less, 30 ° C./hour or less, or 25 ° C./hour or less.

The aluminum alloy cast article can then be thermalized for a period of time during the second stage. According to one non-limiting example, the cast article can be thermalized for up to about 5 hours (eg, comprehensively about 20 minutes to about 5 hours). For example, a cast article is prepared at a temperature of about 525 ° C to about 575 ° C for about 15 minutes, about 20 minutes, about 30 minutes, about 45 minutes, about 1 hour, about 1.5 hours, about 2 hours, about 3 hours, Thermalization can be done for about 4 hours, about 5 hours, or any value in between.

After the hot rolling homogenization step, the hot rolling step can be performed. In certain cases, the cast article is laid and hot rolled at an inlet temperature in the range of about 500 ° C. to about 560 ° C. (eg, about 510 ° C. to about 550 ° C. or about 520 ° C. to about 540 ° C.). The inlet temperature is, for example, about 505 ° C, 510 ° C, 515 ° C, 520 ° C, 525 ° C, 530 ° C, 535 ° C, 540 ° C, 545 ° C, 550 ° C, 555 ° C, 560 ° C, or any value in between. possible. In certain cases, the hot rolling outlet temperature can range from about 250 ° C to about 380 ° C (eg, about 275 ° C to about 370 ° C or about 300 ° C to about 360 ° C). For example, the hot rolling outlet temperature is about 255 ° C, 260 ° C, 265 ° C, 270 ° C, 275 ° C, 280 ° C, 285 ° C, 290 ° C, 295 ° C, 300 ° C, 305 ° C, 310 ° C, 315 ° C, 320. The temperature may be 325 ° C, 330 ° C, 335 ° C, 340 ° C, 345 ° C, 350 ° C, 355 ° C, 360 ° C, 365 ° C, 370 ° C, 375 ° C, or 380 ° C.

In certain cases, the cast article is hot rolled to a gauge of about 4 mm to about 15 mm (eg, about 5 mm to about 12 mm gauge), which is referred to as a hot band. For example, the cast article can be hot-rolled to 15 mm gauge, 14 mm gauge, 13 mm gauge, 12 mm gauge, 11 mm gauge, 10 mm gauge, 9 mm gauge, 8 mm gauge, 7 mm gauge, 6 mm gauge, 5 mm gauge, or 4 mm gauge. The tempering of the hot band as it is rolled is called F tempering.

Cold rolling The cold rolling step can optionally be applied to the alloy prior to the solutionization step. In certain embodiments, the hot band is cold rolled onto a final gauge aluminum alloy sheet. In some embodiments, the final gauge aluminum alloy sheet is 4 mm or less, 3 mm or less, 2 mm or less, 1 mm or less, 0.9 mm or less, 0.8 mm or less, 0.7 mm or less, 0.6 mm or less, 0.5 mm. Below, it has a thickness of 0.4 mm or less, 0.3 mm or less, 0.2 mm or less, or 0.1 mm.

Lysosomal solution The solution step can include heating an aluminum alloy sheet or other rolled article from room temperature to the highest metal temperature. Optionally, the maximum metal temperature is from about 520 ° C to about 590 ° C (eg, about 520 ° C to about 580 ° C, about 530 ° C to about 570 ° C, about 545 ° C to about 575 ° C, about 550 ° C to about 570). ° C., about 555 ° C to about 565 ° C, about 540 ° C to about 560 ° C, about 560 ° C to about 580 ° C, or about 550 ° C to about 575 ° C). The aluminum alloy sheet can be thermalized for a certain period of time at this maximum metal temperature. In certain embodiments, the aluminum alloy sheet can be heat-isolated for up to about 2 minutes (eg, comprehensively from about 10 seconds to about 120 seconds). For example, the sheet is at a temperature of about 520 ° C to about 590 ° C for 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 20 seconds, 25 seconds, 30 seconds, 35 seconds, 40 seconds, 45 seconds, 50 seconds, 55 seconds, 60 seconds, 65 seconds. , 70 seconds, 75 seconds, 80 seconds, 85 seconds, 90 seconds, 95 seconds, 100 seconds, 105 seconds, 110 seconds, 115 seconds, 120 seconds, or any value in between, can be equalized in seconds. it can.

The aging aluminum alloy sheet can optionally undergo a preliminary aging heat treatment. In some embodiments, the pre-aging is performed on the aluminum alloy sheet at about 80 ° C. to about 120 ° C. (eg, about 80 ° C., about 85 ° C., about 90 ° C., about 95 ° C., about 100 ° C., about 105 ° C., The aluminum alloy sheet can be wound up by heating to a temperature of about 110 ° C., about 115 ° C., about 120 ° C., or any value in between). The coiled aluminum alloy sheet should be cooled for a maximum of about 24 hours (eg, about 1 hour, about 2 hours, about 6 hours, about 12 hours, about 18 hours, about 24 hours or any value in between). (Ie, coil cooling is performed).

The aluminum alloy sheet can then be naturally and / or artificially aged. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy sheet can be naturally aged for a period of time to be T4 tempered. For example, the aluminum alloy sheet can be aged naturally in 1 week or more, 2 weeks or more, 3 weeks or more, or 4 weeks or more.

In certain embodiments, the T4 tempered aluminum alloy sheet is about 180 ° C to 225 ° C (eg, 185 ° C, 190 ° C, 195 ° C, 200 ° C, 205 ° C, 210 ° C, 215 ° C, 220 ° C, or 225 ° C. ) Is artificially aged for a period of time to bring about T6 tempering. For example, the aluminum alloy sheet is about 15 minutes to about 3 hours (for example, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, 105 minutes, 2 hours, 2.5 hours, 3 hours, or any value in between). In the time of, it can be artificially aged to result in T6 tempering.

Methods of Use The alloys, products, and methods described herein can be used in automotive, electronic, and transportation applications such as commercial vehicles, aircraft, or railroad applications. For example, alloys can be used for strength in chassis, crossmembers, and parts inside the chassis, including but not limited to all parts between two C channels in a commercial vehicle chassis. Acts as a complete or partial replacement for high-strength steel. In certain embodiments, the alloy can be used in F, T4, T6, or T8x tempering. In certain embodiments, the alloy is used with a stiffener to provide additional strength. In certain embodiments, the alloy is useful for applications where the working and operating temperatures are about 150 ° C. or lower.

In certain embodiments, the alloys and methods can be used to prepare automotive body parts products. For example, the alloys and methods of the present invention include bumpers, side beams, roof beams, cross beams, pillar reinforcements (eg, A-pillars, B-pillars, and C-pillars), internal panels, side panels, floor panels, tunnels, structures. It can be used to prepare body parts for automobiles, such as panels, reinforcing panels, inner hoods, or trunk lid panels. The aluminum alloys and methods of the present disclosure can also be used in aircraft or rail vehicle applications, for example to prepare exterior and interior panels.

For example, the alloys and methods described herein can also be used to prepare housings for electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablet computers. For example, alloys can be used to prepare housings for mobile phones (eg, smartphones) and the outer casing of tablet bottom chassis, with or without anodization. Exemplary household appliances include mobile phones, audio devices, video devices, cameras, laptop computers, desktop computers, tablet computers, televisions, displays, home appliances, video playback and recording devices, and the like. An exemplary household appliance component includes an outer housing (eg, façade) and an inner component for the household appliance.

Example Example 1 is about 0.8 to 1.5% by weight of Si, 0.1 to 0.5% by weight of Fe, 0.5 to 1.0% by weight of Cu, 0.5 to 0.9% by weight. % Mg, maximum 0.1% by weight Ti, maximum 0.5% by mass Mn, maximum 0.5% by mass Cr, maximum 0.5% by mass Zr, maximum 0.5% by mass V, maximum It is an aluminum alloy containing 0.15% by mass of impurities and Al.

Example 2 shows about 0.9 to 1.4% by weight of Si, 0.1 to 0.35% by weight of Fe, 0.6 to 0.9% by weight of Cu, and 0.6 to 0.9% by weight. Mg, 0.01-0.09% by weight Ti, maximum 0.3% by weight Mn, maximum 0.3% by weight Cr, maximum 0.3% by weight Zr, maximum 0.3% by weight V , A maximum of 0.15% by weight of impurities, and Al, according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples.

Example 3 shows about 1.0 to 1.3% by weight of Si, 0.1 to 0.25% by weight of Fe, 0.7 to 0.9% by weight of Cu, and 0.6 to 0.8% by weight. Mg, 0.01-0.05% by weight Ti, maximum 0.2% by weight Mn, maximum 0.2% by weight Cr, maximum 0.2% by weight Zr, maximum 0.2% by weight V , A maximum of 0.15% by weight of impurities, and Al, according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples.

Example 4 is the aluminum alloy according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the aluminum alloy contains at least one of Mn, Cr, Zr, and V.

Example 5 is the aluminum alloy according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the total content of Mn, Cr, Zr, and / or V is at least about 0.14% by weight.

Example 6 is the aluminum alloy according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the total content of Mn, Cr, Zr, and / or V is from about 0.14% to about 0.4% by weight. ..

Example 7 is the aluminum alloy according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the total content of Mn, Cr, Zr, and / or V is from about 0.15% to about 0.25% by weight. ..

Example 8 is the aluminum alloy according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the aluminum alloy contains about 0.01-0.3 wt% V.

Example 9 is the aluminum alloy according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the aluminum alloy contains excess Si and the excess Si content is from about 0.01 to about 1.0.

Example 10 is an aluminum alloy product containing the aluminum alloy described in any of the preceding or subsequent examples.

Example 11 is the aluminum alloy product according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the aluminum alloy product comprises a cubic crystal structure rotated at least about 5% by volume.

Example 12 is the aluminum alloy product according to either the preceding or subsequent example, wherein the aluminum alloy product contains at least about 1.5 million dispersed particles per 1 mm ² .

Example 13 is the aluminum alloy product according to either the preceding or subsequent example, wherein the dispersed particles occupy an area in the range of about 0.5% to about 5% of the aluminum alloy.

Example 14 is the aluminum alloy product according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the aluminum alloy product comprises an Fe-component.

Example 15 is the aluminum alloy product according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the Fe-constituent contains Al (Fe, X) Si phase particles.

Example 16 is the aluminum alloy product according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the average particle size of the Fe-component is up to about 4 μm.

Example 17 is the aluminum alloy product according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the aluminum alloy product has a yield strength of at least about 300 MPa in T6 tempering.

Example 18 is the aluminum alloy product according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples, wherein the aluminum alloy product comprises a uniform elongation of at least about 20% and a minimum bending angle of at least about 120 ° in T4 tempering.

Example 19 is the casting of the aluminum alloy according to Example 1 to provide a cast article and the homogenization of the cast article in a two-step homogenization process, wherein the two-step homogenization process is a cast article. Is heated to the first stage homogenization temperature and the cast article is kept at the first stage homogenization temperature for a time, and the cast article is further heated to the second stage homogenization temperature to bring the cast article to the second stage homogenization temperature. The stage homogenization temperature is to hold for a long time, including homogenization, hot rolling and cold rolling to provide the final gauge aluminum alloy product, and the final gauge aluminum alloy product. A method of producing an aluminum alloy product by either preceding or following examples, including solution heat treatment of the above and pre-aging of the final gauge aluminum alloy product.

In Example 20, the homogenization temperature of the first stage is about 470 ° C to about 530 ° C, the homogenization temperature of the second stage is about 525 ° C to about 575 ° C, and the homogenization temperature of the second stage is the first. A method of producing an aluminum alloy product according to any of the preceding examples, which is above the step homogenization temperature.

The following examples will help, but are not limited to, further illustrate the invention. On the contrary, after reading the description herein, it should be clearly understood that one can rely on various embodiments, modifications and equivalents that may suggest themselves to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. .. Unless otherwise noted, conventional procedures were followed during the studies described in the examples below. For purposes of explanation, some of the procedures are described below.

Example 1: Properties of Aluminum Alloy An alloy was prepared for strength and moldability testing. The compositions of these alloys are provided in Table 4 below. In each alloy composition of Table 4, the rest is Al.

The alloy was prepared by DC casting the components into the ingot and homogenizing the ingot in the two-step homogenization step described herein. The first step provided nucleation of the largest amount of fine dispersed particles (eg, dispersed particles having a diameter of less than about 10 nm). In the second step, the fine dispersed particles were coarsened. The homogenized cast article was then laid and hot rolled to a 10 mm gauge by the method described herein. The hot band was coiled and cooled, then cold rolled to a 2 mm gauge. The solution heat treatment step was then performed at 560 ° C. for 35 seconds. Preliminary aging steps were performed by heating the sheet to 100 ° C., soaking for 1 hour (eg, to simulate coil cooling as described above) and then performing natural aging to achieve T4 tempering. Then, T6 tempering was achieved by aging the T4 alloy at 200 ° C. for 30 minutes.

The characteristics of the D1 to D6 alloys in T4 tempering, such as yield strength, uniform elongation, and bending angle, were determined. The tensile test was carried out in three directions with respect to the rolling direction of the alloy sheet according to ASTM B557, and the anisotropic property generated during recrystallization was evaluated. Yield strength (called "YS", indicated by a histogram) and uniform elongation (called "UE", indicated by dots) are vertical stripes along the rolling direction ("L" and vertical stripes). (Indicated by the pattern), 90 ° lateral to the rolling direction (called "T", indicated by horizontal stripes) and 45 ° diagonal to the rolling direction (called "D") , Indicated by a cross), is shown in FIG. As evidenced by the graphs based on yield strength and uniform elongation, the alloys showed isotropic behavior in all three directions, even the elongated recrystallized grain structures, which were subjected to tensile tests, as observed in FIG. .. The uniform elongation value was in the range of 24% to 26%, and the yield strength was 185 MPa to 195 MPa.

FIG. 3 shows the yield strength and uniform elongation of alloys D1 to D6 in T4 and T6 tempering. In the T4 tempered alloys D1 to D6, the composition had little effect on yield strength and uniform elongation. In the T6 tempered alloys D1 to D6, the composition had a negligible effect on uniform elongation, and the alloy containing V showed a decrease in yield strength of about 10 MPa. The decrease in yield strength may be due to solute loss (eg Si, Mg, and / or Cu) during solution formation due to heterogeneous nucleation of solute precipitates on V-containing dispersed particles.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing the bending angle test results of the alloys D1 to D6 in T4 tempering. The addition of Cr and V produced a large number of finely dispersed particles that improved bending by diffusing the strain distribution during deformation (eg, bending, shaping, stamping, or any suitable deformation process). In some cases, Mn binds to Fe and Si to make Mn more diffusive compared to Zr, Cr, and / or V, so that instead of forming dispersed particles, the Fe-component is formed. Form and spheroidize. The spheroidization of the Fe-component improved bending by eliminating elongated (ie, needle-like) microparticles that could initiate cracks during deformation. In addition, V-containing alloys (eg, alloys D4 to D6) showed improved bending compared to V-free variants due to the spheroidization of the Fe-component. FIG. 5 compares the yield strength (YS) and bending angle (VDA) of the T4 and T6 tempered alloys D1 to D6.

Example 2: Microstructure of Aluminum Alloy Figure 6 shows the recrystallized texture components of alloys D1 to D6, including cubes, goths, brass, S, Cu, and rotated cubes (referred to as "RC"). ing. The alloys D1 to D6 showed a similar distribution of structural components, and the composition had little effect on the recrystallized texture. Surprisingly, each alloy exhibited a relatively large amount of rotated cubic structure, resulting in a significant improvement in bending angle, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 7 shows transmission electron microscope (TEM) images of alloys D1 to D6 in T4 tempering. As is clear from the TEM image, dispersed particles are formed in each alloy (displayed as bright white particles). Alloy D4 (including Cr and V) showed more dispersed particles due to the relatively low diffusivity of Cr and V. Similarly, alloys D5 and D6 showed a smaller number of dispersed particles due to the relatively high diffusivity of Mn and Zr. Therefore, the alloy D6 showed a smaller amount of dispersed particles due to the affinity of Mn incorporated into the Fe-constituent and the formation of Mn-dispersed particles alone. FIG. 8 shows the dispersed particle number density (histogram) and the area fraction (white circles) of the T4 tempered alloys D1 to D6. The V-free alloys (alloys D1 to D3) showed similar dispersed particle number densities. Alloy D2 (incorporating only Cr as a transition metal alloying element) has a higher dispersed particle area than alloys D1 and D3 (D1 incorporating Mn and Cr and D3 incorporating Zr and Cr). The rate was shown. Alloy D4 (incorporating Cr and V) showed the highest dispersed particle number density and the highest dispersed particle area fraction.

FIG. 9 shows scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of alloys D1 to D6 in T4 tempering. What is clear in the SEM image is the formation of Fe-constituting. (Shown as bright white elongated particles). As shown in FIG. 10, each of the alloys D1 to D6 showed the same amount of Fe-component formation and the same Fe-component particle size distribution. As mentioned above, the use of transition metal alloying elements reduces the formation of Fe-constituting (eg, AlFeSi) by substituting a portion of Fe, thus resulting in a spherical Al (Fe, X) Si component. It is formed. Due to the presence of excess Si and treatment at low homogenization temperatures (eg, about 500 ° C.), each alloy continues to exhibit AlFeSi (elongated fine particles), with reduced size and particle size distribution for alloys that do not use transition metal alloying elements. did. In some embodiments, the AlFeSi component of the alloy containing no transition metal alloying element showed larger dimensions than the AlFeSi component observed in the alloy containing the transition metal alloying element. The dimensions and particle size distribution of the Fe-component were evaluated at a depth of about 0.5 mm from the surface of the aluminum alloy sheet (denoted as "QT" in the graph, called quarter thickness).

FIG. 11 shows an optical microscope (called “OM”) and SEM images of alloy D1. After casting, the alloy D1 is subjected to a temperature gradient of 50 ° C. to 560 ° C. in 1 hour and homogenized for 2 hours as described above, followed by hot rolling, cold rolling, solution aging, pre-aging, and natural. One-step homogenization including aging was performed. What is clear in the OM image is the initial melting and / or eutectic melting of Mg ₂ Si in the alloy D1 (shown as a dark region). The SEM image shows that the voids formed in the alloy during homogenization are dark regions. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) has shown the presence of Fe-consists in the voids (shown as bright particles). By adopting the exemplary two-step homogenization described herein, initial melting and / or eutectic melting when the transition metal alloying element is incorporated into the aluminum alloy composition can be eliminated.

All patents, publications, and abstracts cited above are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Various embodiments of the present invention have been described to achieve various objects of the present invention. It should be recognized that these embodiments are merely exemplary of the principles of the invention. Many changes and their conformance will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims below.

Claims (20)

0.8-1.5% by weight Si, 0.1-0.5% by weight Fe, 0.5-1.0% by weight Cu, 0.5-0.9% by weight Mg, maximum 0 .1% by weight Ti, up to 0.5% by weight Mn, up to 0.5% by weight Cr, up to 0.5% by weight Zr, up to 0.5% by weight V, up to 0.15% by weight Aluminum alloy containing impurities and Al. 0.9 to 1.4% by weight Si, 0.1 to 0.35% by weight Fe, 0.6 to 0.9% by weight Cu, 0.6 to 0.9% by weight Mg, 0. 01-0.09% by weight Ti, maximum 0.3% by weight Mn, maximum 0.3% by weight Cr, maximum 0.3% by weight Zr, maximum 0.3% by weight V, maximum 0.15 The aluminum alloy according to claim 1, which comprises weight% of impurities and Al. 1.0 to 1.3% by weight Si, 0.1 to 0.25% by weight Fe, 0.7 to 0.9% by weight Cu, 0.6 to 0.8% by weight Mg, 0. 01-0.05% by weight Ti, up to 0.2% by weight Mn, up to 0.2% by weight Cr, up to 0.2% by weight Zr, up to 0.2% by weight V, up to 0.15 The aluminum alloy according to claim 1, which comprises weight% of impurities and Al. The aluminum alloy according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the aluminum alloy contains at least one of Mn, Cr, Zr, and V. The aluminum alloy according to claim 4, wherein the total content of Mn, Cr, Zr, and / or V is at least 0.14% by weight. The aluminum alloy according to claim 5, wherein the total content of Mn, Cr, Zr, and / or V is 0.14% by weight to 0.4% by weight. The aluminum alloy according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the total content of Mn, Cr, Zr, and / or V is 0.15% by weight to 0.25% by weight. The aluminum alloy according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the aluminum alloy contains 0.01 to 0.3% by weight of V. The aluminum alloy according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the aluminum alloy contains excess Si and the excess Si content is 0.01 to 1.0. An aluminum alloy product containing the aluminum alloy according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The aluminum alloy product according to claim 10, wherein the aluminum alloy product comprises a cubic crystallographic structure rotated at a volume percentage of at least 5%. The aluminum alloy product according to claim 10, wherein the aluminum alloy product contains dispersed particles in an amount of at least 1.5 million dispersed particles per 1 mm ² . The aluminum alloy product according to claim 12, wherein the dispersed particles occupy an area in the range of 0.5% to 5% of the aluminum alloy product. The aluminum alloy product according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the aluminum alloy product contains an Fe-component. The aluminum alloy product according to claim 14, wherein the Fe-component contains Al (Fe, X) Si phase particles. The aluminum alloy product according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the average particle size of the Fe-component is up to 4 μm. The aluminum alloy product according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the aluminum alloy product has a yield strength of at least 300 MPa in T6 tempering. The aluminum alloy product according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the aluminum alloy product comprises a uniform elongation of at least 20% in T4 tempering and a minimum bending angle of at least 120 °. A method of manufacturing aluminum alloy products
Casting the aluminum alloy according to claim 1 to form a cast article,
The two-step homogenization process is to homogenize the cast article, in which the two-step homogenization process heats the cast article to a first-step homogenization temperature and heats the cast article to the first-step homogenization process. Holding the casting article for a time of the homogenization temperature, further heating the casting article to the second stage homogenization temperature, and holding the casting article for a time of the second step homogenization temperature.
To provide a final gauge aluminum alloy by hot rolling and cold rolling,
The solution heat treatment of the final gauge aluminum alloy product and
A method comprising pre-aging the final gauge aluminum alloy product. The first-stage homogenization temperature is 470 ° C. to 530 ° C., the second-stage homogenization temperature is 525 ° C. to 575 ° C., and the second-stage homogenization temperature is the first-stage homogenization. 19. The method of claim 19, which is higher than temperature.

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