Hardness, corrosion behavior, and microstructure of Al-Cu-Mg alloy as a fuction of 0.3 wt.% Zr addition

The effect of adding zirconium (Zr) as an alloying element to Al-Cu-Mg alloy on the hardness and corrosion of this alloy was investigated. The hardness and polarization test results of samples treated for various periods by aging at 423.15 K for 3hr showed a significant increment in the Brinell hardness (HBW) improvement ratio of 115.6% (from 45HBW to 97HBW) and an extreme reduction the corrosion rate of the alloy after Zr adding decrease in the current density by 79.42% (from 56.50 µA cm-2 to 11.63 µA cm-2) with aging for 3 hr compared to the base alloy. The impact of this addition is also reflected in the strengthening, recrystallization, and modification of the grain microstructure. These changes were clearly demonstrated by microscopic testing and proves that the addition of Zr has a considerable synergistic effect causing inhibition of recrystallization and refinement of grain size.