Elucidating the role of a unique step-like interfacial structure of η₄ precipitates in Al-Zn-Mg alloy.

ABSTRACT: Al-Zn-Mg alloys are widely used in the transportation industry owing to their high strength-to-weight ratio. In these alloys, the main strengthening mechanism is precipitation hardening that occurs because of the formation of nano-sized precipitates. Herein, an interfacial structure of η₄ precipitates, one of the main precipitates in these alloys, is revealed using aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and first-principles calculations. These precipitates exhibit a pseudo-periodic steps and bridges. The results of this study demonstrate that the peculiar interface structure of η₄/Al relieves the strain energy of η₄ precipitates thus stabilizing them. The atomistic role of this interfacial structure in the nucleation and growth of th

SUBMITTER: Kim H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10413671 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature