The region (D (θ') region) where finer θ' precipitates were formed densely was found adjacent to the grain boundary in Al-(24)wt%Cu-Sn alloys, when solution-treated, quenched and aged at 200250°Ç. In this report, the formation of the D (θ') region in Al-Cu-Sn alloys was studied in relation to quenching conditions and solution-treatment temperatures (Ts) by using a transmission electron microscope. The results obtained are as follows.
(1) The D (θ') region was found to be caused by appearance of the region where Sn rich phases precipitated densely in the early stage of aging.
(2) The D (θ') region formed only under the condition of fast quenching (i. e. quenching into iced water). The width of D (θ') region and the distance from the grain boundary to D (θ') region increased with lowering Ts.
(3) These results would be explained from the following assumption: A transient peak of vacancy concentration profile developes adjacent to the grain boundary in the early stage of aging, owing to the formation of secondary defects inside the grain.