Effect of Aging on Microstructure and Performance after Superplastic Deformation of Fine Grained 1420 Al-Li Alloy

Abstract

Superplastic forming (SPF) is an important process for forming fine grained 1420 Al-Li alloy. However, the mechanical properties will be decreased after deforming at high temperature. How to obtain the optimize relationship of strength and ductility after SPF is one of the key problems for the process. In this paper, a set of artificial aging tests including single and two-step aging were carried out, which are the typical strengthening process for Al-Li alloy. Based on experimental results, strength and elongation were studied by means of tensile tests at room temperature, and the effect of aging processes on mechanical properties was analyzed. Finally, the microstructures fore and after aging were examined by OM and TEM, and the strengthening mechanism of 1420 Al-Li alloy was further studied. It is found that artificial aging especially two-step aging can increase mechanical properties of post-SPF material obviously, and δ (Al 3 Li) is the primary strengthening phase.