Clustering in Age-Hardenable Aluminum Alloys

Abstract

This review gives an overview of the effects of clusters in various aluminum alloys. Characterization methods are discussed in general and results for the important AlMgSi alloys are presented in detail. Indirect characterization methods, such as hardness, tensile testing, electrical resistivity, differential scanning calorimetry, and positron annihilation spectroscopy are discussed, as well as atom probe tomography for the direct measurement of clusters. A particular focus is set on atom probe tomography, where possible artifacts influencing the cluster measurements as well as different cluster finding methods are summed up. A comprehensive summary of investigated alloys and cluster algorithm parameters is given. Moreover, the findings in AlMgSi alloys regarding clusters and changes upon different heat treatments are discussed, starting from early to the latest works. Drawn conclusions are discussed and compared to give a résumé.