Microchemistry Evolution for 8xxx Alloys by Homogenization

In commercial Al-Fe-Si foil stock alloys, mechanical properties such as strength and ductility are influenced by the materials microchemistry. This study covers the general relation of microchemistry and the potential final softening behavior of aluminum foil, as described in the literature. In this paper, the focus lies on the evolution of solute content and microchemistry through different experimental homogenization practices for two 8xxx alloys with varying Fe and Si contents. The solute level, dispersoid phase volume fraction, and phase morphology of precipitated particles are investigated. The experimental results show a major temperature dependency of the solute content during homogenization.