Aging characteristics of Al-4.5%Zn-1.2%Mg, Al-3%Zn-3%Mg, and Al-2%Zn-4%Mg alloys weld metals were examined by means of hardness measurements, X-ray small angle scattering methods, and transmission electron microscopy. Hardness of weld metal in as welded state is higher for the Al-Zn-Mg alloys of higher contents of Mg. Hardness and volume-fraction of G. P. zones increases with increasing content of Zn in the Al-Zn-Mg alloy weld metals aged at room temperature or at 40°C. On the other hand, hardness is higher for the Al-Zn-Mg alloy weld metals of higher contents of Mg aged at 135°C. Effect of cooling rate on aging characteristics of Al-Zn-Mg alloy weld metal is more considerable for Al-3%Zn-3%Mg and Al-2%Zn-4%Mg alloys than for Al-4.5%Zn-1.2%Mg alloy.
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