Dispersoid-modified Al alloys

Light-weight efforts have put high-strength aluminum alloys at the forefront of high-performance low-density structural materials. Al–Zn–Mg alloys offer high specific strength and outstanding age-hardening ability, thanks to Mg–Zn precipitates. Via introducing coherent Al₃X dispersoids to such age-hardenable alloys we intend to further increase strength and improve high-temperature stability. We aim to obtain a mechanistic understanding on the impact of such dispersoids on the alloys’ age-hardening response via macroscopic hardness measurements, TEM and APT, and correlative instrumented indentation.