Abstract
The Vickers hardness variation of a cold-rolled Al–Cu–Mg–Fe–Ni alloy to which trace scandium and zirconium were added had been measured during annealing. The microstructures of alloy were observed using optical microscope and transmission electron microscope (TEM). It was shown that the dispersed Al3(Sc, Zr) particles could pin dislocations, stabilize substructures and impede the movement of boundaries. Therefore, the recrystallization of the Al–Cu–Mg–Fe–Ni alloy was retarded. The mechanical properties of the alloy with Al3(Sc, Zr) particles at both ambient and elevated temperatures were improved. Subgrain coalescence was involved in the recrystallization process.
