Recycling-friendly aluminum alloys for use as fin blanks and methods of making same

Abstract

Disclosed herein are recovery-friendly aluminum alloys, methods of making and processing such alloys, and products made from such alloys. More particularly, a recycle-friendly aluminum alloy is disclosed that exhibits good thermal conductivity and corrosion potential characteristics despite being produced from less primary aluminum. The aluminum alloy may be used as a fin blank in industrial applications, including heat exchangers.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 384,869, filed on November 23, 2022, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 491,209, filed on March 20, 2023, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 495,263, filed on April 10, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 513,389, filed on July 13, 2023, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all intents and purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the fields of materials science, materials chemistry, metallurgy, aluminum alloys, aluminum alloy products, aluminum processing, and related fields. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to recycling-friendly aluminum alloys that can be used in various applications (including, for example, as fin stock for heat exchangers) to replace aluminum alloys containing high amounts of prime aluminum. Background Art

[0004] Typically, the aluminum alloy used to produce fin stock requires high thermal conductivity to enable heat transfer suitable for heat exchanger applications, while also having a sufficiently negative corrosion potential so that the fin stock acts in a sacrificial manner during heat exchanger corrosion. Raw aluminum has high thermal conductivity, thereby providing good heat transfer characteristics. Aluminum alloys that include a large amount of raw aluminum have higher thermal conductivity values ​​than aluminum alloys with less raw aluminum. In addition, aluminum alloys that include solute elements dissolved in solution (such as Si and / or Fe and / or Mn) generally have lower thermal conductivity than aluminum alloys that include less solute elements. As a result, fin stock is typically processed from AA7072 aluminum alloy, which, due to its large amount of raw aluminum, provides good thermal conductivity and corrosion potential characteristics.

[0005] There is interest in using recycled aluminum alloy materials to produce the aluminum alloys for use in heat exchangers. However, recycled aluminum alloy materials may not be suitable for preparing high-performance aluminum alloys, such as AA7072 aluminum alloy, because the recycled aluminum alloy materials may contain high levels of certain solute elements, which have a negative impact on thermal conductivity and corrosion potential characteristics. In addition, AA7072 aluminum alloy has strict restrictions on composition and processing, which seriously limits the amount and type of spendable recycled aluminum alloy materials. The recycled aluminum alloy materials may include certain alloying elements (such as Si, Fe and / or Mn), which have an adverse effect on the characteristics of AA7072 aluminum alloy such as thermal conductivity and corrosion potential. For these reasons, it is unrealistic to use a large amount of recycled aluminum alloy materials for producing aluminum alloys, such as AA7072 aluminum alloy, without having a negative impact on desired alloy properties. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiments covered by the present invention are defined by the claims, not by this Summary. This Summary provides a high-level overview of various aspects of the invention and introduces some of the concepts further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used alone to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification, any or all of the drawings, and the claims.

[0007] Provided herein is a recycling-friendly aluminum alloy that exhibits high thermal conductivity and adequate corrosion potential characteristics despite being produced from less primary aluminum. The aluminum alloy described herein comprises 0.10–1.30 wt.% Si, 0.10–1.00 wt.% Fe, up to 0.30 wt.% Cu, 0.01–0.80 wt.% Mn, 0.20–0.80 wt.% Mg, 0.50–3.50 wt.% Zn, up to 0.20 wt.% Cr, up to 0.20 wt.% Ti, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and the balance being Al. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy includes 0.20-1.20 wt.% Si, 0.20-0.90 wt.% Fe, 0.01-0.30 wt.% Cu, 0.05-0.70 wt.% Mn, 0.20-0.80 wt.% Mg, 0.50-3.25 wt.% Zn, up to 0.20 wt.% Cr, up to 0.20 wt.% Ti, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and the balance Al. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy includes 0.30-1.10 wt.% Si, 0.30-0.90 wt.% Fe, 0.01-0.25 wt.% Cu, 0.10-0.70 wt.% Mn, 0.20-0.80 wt.% Mg, 0.60-3.00 wt.% Zn, up to 0.15 wt.% Cr, up to 0.15 wt.% Ti, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and the balance Al. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy includes 0.50-1.00 wt.% Si, 0.40-0.90 wt.% Fe, 0.01-0.30 wt.% Cu, 0.20-0.80 wt.% Mn, 0.20-0.80 wt.% Mg, 0.70-2.75 wt.% Zn, up to 0.10 wt.% Cr, up to 0.10 wt.% Ti, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and the balance Al. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy comprises 0.60–1.00 wt.% Si, 0.70–1.00 wt.% Fe, 0.01–0.30 wt.% Cu, 0.30–0.70 wt.% Mn, 0.30–0.80 wt.% Mg, 1.00–2.50 wt.% Zn, up to 0.05 wt.% Cr, up to 0.05 wt.% Ti, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and the balance Al. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy comprises a combined content of Si and Fe of 0.50 wt.% to 2.30 wt.%. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy comprises a ratio of (Si+Fe) of at least 0.90:1.

[0008] %. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy comprises a combined Si and Fe content of at least 1.30 wt. %, and wherein the aluminum alloy comprises a (Si+Fe):Mn ratio of at least 2:1. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy comprises 10% more alpha-phase particles than AA3105 aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy is a 3xxx series aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength of at least 110 MPa. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy has a yield strength of at least 50 MPa.

[0009] In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy comprises an electrical conductivity of 40% to 60% based on the International Annealed Copper Standard (IACS). In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy comprises a corrosion potential of -740 mV to -820 mV. In some embodiments, the fin stock comprises the aluminum alloy described herein. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy product comprises a tube and a fin, wherein the fin comprises the aluminum alloy described herein.

[0010] In some embodiments, a method for producing an aluminum alloy product is provided. The method includes: casting an aluminum alloy to form a cast aluminum alloy, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises 0.10-1.30 wt.% Si, 0.10-1.00 wt.% Fe, up to 0.30 wt.% Cu, 0.01-0.80 wt.% Mn, 0.20-0.80 wt.% Mg, 0.50-3.50 wt.% Zn, up to 0.20 wt.% Cr, up to 0.20 wt.% Ti, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and the balance Al; homogenizing or annealing the cast aluminum alloy; hot rolling the cast aluminum alloy to produce a hot rolled product; and cold rolling the hot rolled product to produce the aluminum alloy product. In some embodiments, the homogenization step comprises heating the cast aluminum alloy to a homogenization temperature of 400° C. to 600° C. at a heating rate of at least 10° C. / h, and soaking the cast aluminum alloy at the homogenization temperature for a period of 5 to 15 hours. In some embodiments, the annealing step comprises heating the cast aluminum alloy to an annealing temperature of 300° C. to 500° C. at a heating rate of at least 10° C. / h, and soaking the cast aluminum alloy at the annealing temperature for a period of 1 to 8 hours. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy comprises a (Si+Fe):Mn ratio of at least 2:1, and wherein the aluminum alloy product has an ultimate tensile strength of at least 110 MPa, a yield strength of at least 50 MPa, and an electrical conductivity of 40% to 60% based on the International Annealed Copper Standard (IACS). In some embodiments, the fin stock is prepared by the methods described herein.

[0011] Also provided herein are aluminum alloy products comprising the aluminum alloys described herein. The products may include fin stock. Further provided herein are aluminum alloy products comprising tubes and fins, wherein the fins comprise the aluminum alloys described herein. Also provided herein are aluminum alloy products (e.g., heat exchanger fins) obtained according to the methods.

[0012] Further aspects, objects and advantages will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description which is given by way of non-limiting examples. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The present disclosure will be readily understood through the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

[0014] Figure 1 A graph showing the effect of alloying elements on the thermal conductivity of aluminum alloys.

[0015] Figure 2 4 is a thermodynamic calculation chart of the mass fraction of α-phase particles in an aluminum alloy at different temperatures as a function of the amount of Si and Fe in the aluminum alloy, according to some embodiments.

[0016] Figure 3 is a graph of electrical conductivity (% IACS) of sample aluminum alloys, as measured by ASTM E1004 (2022), according to some embodiments.

[0017] Figures 4A-4C Graph of electrical conductivity (% IACS) of sample aluminum alloys, as measured by ASTM E1004 (2022), illustrating the effect of Si and Fe concentrations, according to some embodiments.

[0018] Figure 5A and 5B is a graph of the electrical conductivity (% IACS) of AA3105 aluminum alloy at various annealing temperatures for different time periods as measured by ASTM E1004 (2022).

[0019] Figure 6 1 is a graph showing the electrical conductivity of the sample aluminum alloys in Table 17 after heat treatment (annealing) at 375° C. for four hours, according to some embodiments.

[0020] Figure 7 is the measured potential difference (ΔE) of the Example 3xxx series aluminum alloy according to some embodiments. OC (mv)) as a function of Zn content. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] This article describes a recycling-friendly aluminum alloy that exhibits high thermal conductivity and good corrosion potential. As compared with the AA7072 aluminum alloy used to produce fin stock, the aluminum alloy described herein incorporates a higher amount of recycled aluminum alloy material and less primary aluminum (primary aluminum), and still maintains good mechanical properties for fin stock. Specifically, the aluminum alloy described herein includes a careful balance of alloying elements, which surprisingly provides good thermal conductivity and corrosion potential characteristics despite including less primary aluminum and a higher content of solute elements than the AA7072 aluminum alloy. Traditionally, a higher amount of solute elements and less primary aluminum in the aluminum alloy composition will result in poor thermal conductivity characteristics. For example, it is known that manganese (Mn) and other alloying elements reduce the thermal conductivity of aluminum alloys and ultimately reduce their thermal efficiency. It has been surprisingly found that the 3xxx series aluminum alloys of the modification can include a balance of silicon (Si) and iron (Fe) to reduce the negative effects of Mn, to provide good thermal conductivity characteristics. In addition, adding zinc (Zn) to the 3xxx series aluminum alloys of the modification can improve the corrosion potential of the aluminum alloy. The combination of properties provides an aluminum alloy that can replace the AA7072 aluminum alloy for fin stock and provides a cost-effective alternative to the use of the AA7072 aluminum alloy for fin stock.

[0022] The traditional AA7072 aluminum alloy used for fin stock has a strictly controlled composition to meet the minimum thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance requirements of the fin stock. Generally speaking, the aluminum alloy used to produce fin stock requires high thermal conductivity and sufficient corrosion potential, which dictates that such fin stock is processed from aluminum alloys that include a large amount of raw aluminum, such as AA7072 aluminum alloy. This limits the amount of recycled aluminum material that can be used to produce AA7072 aluminum alloy. For example, AA7072 aluminum alloy cannot be produced from a large amount of recycled aluminum alloy material because AA7072 aluminum alloy includes Zn as the main alloying element and small amounts of Cu, Mn, and Mg. However, recycled aluminum alloy material may include Si, Fe, and other impurities. Due to the difference between the aluminum alloy composition of AA7072 aluminum alloy and recycled aluminum alloy material, recycled aluminum alloy material is rarely or cannot be used to produce AA7072 aluminum alloy. This limits the amount of recycled aluminum alloy material that can be used to produce fin stock. Although 3xxx series aluminum alloys may include higher amounts of recycled aluminum alloy material than AA7072 aluminum alloy, 3xxx series aluminum alloys generally have very poor thermal conductivity characteristics. Therefore, 3xxx series aluminum alloys have not been used in heat exchanger applications.

[0023] The aluminum alloys described herein can utilize higher amounts of recycled aluminum alloy materials and achieve a combination of properties for heat exchanger applications. Specifically, the aluminum alloys described herein can tolerate higher amounts of Si, Fe, and / or Cu compared to AA7072 aluminum alloy and still achieve good thermal conductivity and sufficient corrosion potential characteristics. In addition, the aluminum alloys described herein may include additional Zn to improve corrosion potential. The composition of the aluminum alloys described herein reduces the composition gap between the fin stock and the recycled aluminum alloy material to reduce the amount of raw aluminum. By reducing the composition gap between the aluminum alloy used for the fin stock and the recycled aluminum alloy material, more recycled aluminum alloy can be used to produce the aluminum alloy for the fin stock.

[0024] The aluminum alloys described herein also have sufficiently high thermal conductivity suitable for heat exchanger applications and have sufficiently negative corrosion potentials so that the fins act in a sacrificial manner during heat exchanger corrosion. The aluminum alloys described herein include a certain amount of Zn so that the aluminum alloys can be particularly used as sacrificial alloys (e.g., as fin stock materials used in combination with copper or aluminum alloy tubes in heat exchangers). The aluminum alloys described herein can be formed as fin stock and mechanically attached to copper or aluminum alloy tubes. The fin stock can corrode sacrificially, thereby protecting the copper or aluminum alloy tubes from corrosion. The aluminum alloys described herein can be used as fin stock in industrial applications, including in heat exchangers or in other applications. In heat exchangers, the aluminum alloys described herein act as sacrificial components, ensuring protection of other components of the heat exchanger (e.g., the tubes to which the alloy is attached). At the same time, the aluminum alloys described herein are produced from at least partially recycled input aluminum.

[0025] Definition and Description:

[0026] As used herein, the terms "invention," "the invention," "this invention," and "the present invention" are intended to refer broadly to all subject matter of this patent application and the appended claims. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the appended patent claims.

[0027] In this specification, reference is made to alloys identified by aluminum industry nomenclature, such as "series" or "3xxx." To understand the numerical designation system most commonly used to name and identify aluminum and its alloys, see "International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Wrought Aluminum and Wrought Aluminum Alloys" or "Registration Record of Aluminum Association Alloy Designations and Chemical Compositions Limits for Aluminum Alloys in the Form of Castings and Ingots," both published by The Aluminum Association.

[0028] As used herein, the meaning of "a," "an," or "the" includes both singular and plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0029] As used herein, plate generally has a thickness greater than 15 mm. For example, plate may refer to an aluminum product having a thickness greater than 15 mm, greater than 20 mm, greater than 25 mm, greater than 30 mm, greater than 35 mm, greater than 40 mm, greater than 45 mm, greater than 50 mm, or greater than 100 mm.

[0030] As used herein, a shate (also referred to as a sheet) typically has a thickness of 4 mm to 15 mm. For example, the shate can have a thickness of 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, or 15 mm.

[0031] As used herein, sheet generally refers to an aluminum product having a thickness of less than 4 mm. For example, the sheet can have a thickness of less than 4 mm, less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.5 mm, less than 0.3 mm, or less than 0.1 mm.

[0032] Alloy tempers or conditions are mentioned in this application. For understanding the most commonly used alloy temper descriptions, refer to "American National Standards (ANSI) H35 on Alloy and Temper Designation Systems". The F condition or temper refers to the aluminum alloy as manufactured. The O condition or temper refers to the aluminum alloy after annealing. The Hxx condition or temper, also referred to as the H temper in this article, refers to the aluminum alloy after cold rolling with or without heat treatment (e.g., annealing). Suitable H tempers include HX1, HX2, HX3 HX4, HX5, HX6, HX7, HX8 or HX9 tempers. For example, the aluminum alloy can be strain hardened to various tempers, such as H16, H18 or other H1X tempers.

[0033] The following aluminum alloys are described according to their elemental composition in weight percent (wt. %) based on the total weight of the alloy. In certain examples of various alloys, the balance is aluminum, with a maximum wt. % of the total impurities of 0.15%.

[0034] As used herein, "electrochemical potential" or "corrosion potential" refers to a material's susceptibility to redox reactions. Electrochemical potential can be used to evaluate the corrosion resistance of the aluminum alloys described herein. Negative values ​​can describe a material that is more susceptible to oxidation (e.g., loss of electrons or increase in oxidation state) when compared to a material with a positive electrochemical potential. Positive values ​​can describe a material that is more susceptible to reduction (e.g., gain of electrons or decrease in oxidation state) when compared to a material with a negative electrochemical potential. As used herein, electrochemical potential is a vector quantity that expresses magnitude and direction.

[0035] As used herein, terms such as "cast aluminum alloy," "casting," and the like are interchangeable and refer to products produced by direct chill casting (including direct chill co-casting) or semi-continuous casting, continuous casting (including, for example, by using a twin-belt caster, a twin-roll caster, a block caster, or any other continuous casting machine), electromagnetic casting, hot top casting, or any other casting method.

[0036] As used herein, the meaning of "room temperature" may include temperatures between 15°C and 30°C, such as 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, 27°C, 28°C, 29°C or 30°C.

[0037] All ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass any and all subranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of "1 to 10" should be considered to include any and all subranges between a minimum value of 1 and a maximum value of 10 (inclusive of the stated values); that is, all subranges that begin with a minimum value of 1 or more (e.g., 1 to 6.1) and end with a maximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10).

[0038] Alloy composition

[0039] The following describes novel aluminum alloy compositions that can be produced from recycled aluminum alloy materials. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy is a 3xxx series aluminum alloy. For example, the aluminum alloy can be a modified AA3105 aluminum alloy. The aluminum alloys described herein exhibit significantly improved high thermal conductivity and corrosion potential compared to 3xxx series aluminum alloys and can therefore be used for fin stock. The properties of the alloys are achieved due to the elemental composition of the alloys and, in some cases, the methods of processing the alloys to produce the described sheets, plates, and thin plates.

[0040] As discussed herein, 3xxx series aluminum alloys generally have poor thermal conductivity and corrosion properties due, at least in part, to their composition. Specifically, AA3105 aluminum alloy includes significant amounts of Mn (e.g., up to 0.80 wt.%) and other solute elements, which reduce the thermal conductivity of AA3105 aluminum alloy. Figure 1 As shown in , Mn in solid solution has one of the highest negative effects on thermal conductivity per unit weight. In addition, Figure 1 It is shown that most solute elements generally reduce the thermal conductivity of aluminum alloys. Without being bound by theory, the inventors have found that removing Mn from solid solution has the most beneficial effect on improving the thermal conductivity of 3xxx series aluminum alloys. The inventors have unexpectedly found that the thermal conductivity of 3xxx series aluminum alloys can be improved by customizing the composition of the aluminum alloy to precipitate Mn and other solute elements into component particles and dispersions (e.g., Mn-containing dispersions). By removing Mn and other solute elements from the aluminum alloy matrix, the thermal conductivity of the aluminum alloy can be improved. By appropriate processing and composition control of the main alloying additives, the resulting microstructure exhibits a high number density dispersion, which greatly improves the thermal conductivity of the aluminum alloy. For example, a higher amount of Si and Fe (compared to AA3105 aluminum alloy) in the aluminum alloy increases the amount of α-phase and β-phase particles, thereby consuming Mn (e.g., removing Mn from solid solution). Specifically, the Si content (e.g., 0.30 wt.% to 1.30 wt.%) and the Fe content (e.g., 0.10 wt.% to 1.00 wt.%) are increased by forming α-phase particles (e.g., Al 12 (Fe, Mn)3Si) and β-phase particles (e.g., Al6(Fe, Mn)) to reduce the amount of Mn in solid solution. In this way, an aluminum alloy can be produced from recycled aluminum alloy materials (e.g., AA3105 aluminum alloy scrap).

[0041] In some embodiments, the aluminum alloys and methods described herein can be used in industrial applications, including sacrificial components, heat dissipation, packaging, and construction materials. The aluminum alloys described herein can be used as industrial fin stock for heat exchangers. Fin stock produced from the aluminum alloys described herein can be provided as a recycling-friendly alternative to AA7072 aluminum alloy, offering comparable thermal conductivity, corrosion potential, and will still preferentially corrode, protecting other metal components incorporated into the heat exchanger.

[0042] In some examples, the aluminum alloy may have the following elemental composition as provided in Table 1.

[0043] Table 1

[0044]

[0045]

[0046] In some examples, the aluminum alloy may have the following elemental composition as provided in Table 2.

[0047] Table 2

[0048]

[0049] In some examples, the aluminum alloy may have the following elemental composition as provided in Table 3.

[0050] Table 3

[0051]

[0052]

[0053] In some examples, the aluminum alloy may have the following elemental composition as provided in Table 4.

[0054] Table 4

[0055]

[0056] In some examples, the aluminum alloy may have the following elemental composition as provided in Table 5.

[0057] Table 5

[0058]

[0059] Silicon (Si)

[0060] In some examples, the alloy includes silicon (Si) in an amount of 0.10% to 1.30% (e.g., 0.20% to 1.20%, 0.30% to 1.10%, 0.60% to 0.90%, 0.50% to 1.00%, 0.60% to 1.00%, or 0.80% to 1.30%) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy may include 0.10%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0.19%, 0.20%, 0.21%, 0.22%, 0.23%, 0.24%, 0.25%, 0.26%, 0.27%, 0.28%, 0.29%, 0.30%, 0.31%, 0.32%, 0.33%, 0.34%, 0.35%, 0.36%, 0.37%, 0.38%, 0. 39%, 0.40%, 0.41%, 0.42%, 0.43%, 0.44%, 0.45%, 0.46%, 0.47%, 0.48%, 0.49%, 0.50%, 0.51%, 0.52%, 0.53%, 0.54%, 0.55%, 0.56%, 0.57%, 0.58%, 0.59%, 0.60%, 0.61%, 0.62%, 0.63%, 0.64%, 0.65%, 0.66%, 0.67%, 0.68%, 0.68%, 0.70%, 0.71%, 0.72%, 0.73%, 0.74%, 0.75%, 0.76%, 0.77%, 0.78%, 0.79%, 0.80%, 0.81%, 0.82%, 0.83%, 0.84%, 0.85%, 0.86%, 0.87%, 0.88%, 0.89%, 0.90%, 0.91%, 0.92%, 0.93%, 0.94%, 0.95%, 0.96%, 0.97%, 0.98%, 0.99%, 1.00 %, 1.01%, 1.02%, 1.03%, 1.04%, 1.05%, 1.06%, 1.07%, 1.08%, 1.09%, 1.10%, 1.11%, 1.12%, 1.13%, 1.14%, 1.15%, 1.16%, 1.17%, 1.18%, 1.19%, 1.20%, 1.21%, 1.22%, 1.23%, 1.24%, 1.25%, 1.26%, 1.27%, 1.28%, 1.29%, or 1.30% Si. All percentages are expressed in wt.%. As described above, the Si content promotes the formation of Mn-containing dispersions to improve the thermal conductivity of the aluminum alloy, thereby producing an alloy with good thermal conductivity. Specifically, Si combines with Mn and results in a high density of α-phase particles (e.g., Al 12(Fe, Mn)3Si) and / or β-phase particles (e.g., Al6(Fe, Mn)). The formation of α-phase and β-phase particles removes free Mn from the solid solution during solidification (e.g., during casting), thereby reducing the negative impact of Mn on thermal conductivity. In addition, homogenization or annealing can help extract more Mn through the growth of α particles and / or the formation of α dispersions, which can further extract Mn from solution.

[0061] Iron (Fe)

[0062] In some examples, the alloy also includes iron (Fe) in an amount of 0.10% to 1.00% (e.g., 0.20% to 0.90%, 0.30% to 0.90%, 0.50% to 0.90%, 0.40% to 0.90%, or 0.70% to 1.00%), based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy may include 0.10%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0.19%, 0.20%, 0.21%, 0.22%, 0.23%, 0.24%, 0.25%, 0.26%, 0.27%, 0.28%, 0.29%, 0.30%, 0.31%, , 0.32%, 0.33%, 0.34%, 0.35%, 0.36%, 0.37%, 0.38%, 0.39%, 0.40%, 0.41%, 0.42%, 0.43%, 0.44%, 0.45%, 0.46%, 0.47%, 0.48%, 0.49%, 0.50%, 0.51%, 0.52%, 0.53%, 0.54%, 0.55%, 0.56%, 0.57%, 0.58%, 0.59%, 0.60%, 0.61%, 0.62%, 0.63%, 0.64%, 0.65%, 0.66%, 0.67%, 0.68%, 0.68%, 0.70%, 0.71%, 0.72%, 0.73%, 0.74%, 0.75%, 0.76%, 0.77%, 0. %.

[0015] The present invention provides an aluminum alloy having an average thermal conductivity of 0.0045 W / m 2 (aluminum alloy) of 0.001 wt. % and an average thermal conductivity of 0.006 ...

[0063] Copper (Cu)

[0064] In some examples, the alloy includes copper (Cu) in an amount of 0% to 0.30% (eg, 0.01% to 0.30%, 0.01% to 0.25%, 0.01% to 0.20%, or 0.10% to 0.30%) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy may include 0%, 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.10%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0.19%, 0.20%, 0.21%, 0.22%, 0.23%, 0.24%, 0.25%, 0.26%, 0.27%, 0.28%, 0.29%, or 0.30% Cu. All percentages are expressed in wt.%. In some cases, a Cu content above 0.30 wt.% may cause corrosion problems because it results in an undesirable positive corrosion potential for the fin stock material.

[0065] Manganese (Mn)

[0066] In some examples, the alloy includes manganese (Mn) in an amount of 0.01% to 0.80% (e.g., 0.05% to 0.70%, 0.10% to 0.70%, 0.20% to 0.80%, 0.30% to 0.70%, or 0.30% to 0.50%) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy may include 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.10%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0.19%, 0.20%, 0.21%, 0.22%, 0.23%, 0.24%, 0.25%, 0.26%, 0.27%, 0.28%, 0.29%, 0.30%, 0.31%, 0.32%, 0.33%, 0.34%, 0.35%, 0.36%, 0.37%, 0.38%, 0.39%, 0.40%, 0.41%, 0.42%, 0.43%, 0.44%, 0.45%, 0.46%, 0.47%, 0.48%, 0.49%, 0.50%, 0.51%, 0.52%, 0.53%, 0.54%, 0.55%, 0.56%, 0.57%, 0.58%, 0.59%, 0.60%, 0.61%, 0.62%, 0.63%, 0.64%, 0.65%, 0.66%, 0.67%, 0.68%, 0.69%, 0.70%, 0.71%, 0.72%, 0.73%, 0.74%, 0.75%, 0.76%, 0.77%, 0.78%, 0.79%, 0.80%, 0.81%, 0.82%, 0.83%, 0.84%, 0%, 0.41%, 0.42%, 0.43%, 0.44%, 0.45%, 0.46%, 0.47%, 0.48%, 0.49%, 0.50%, 0.51%, 0.52%, 0.53%, 0.54%, 0.55%, 0.56%, 0.57%, 0.58%, 0.59%, 0.60%, 0.61%, 0.62%, 0.63%, 0.64%, 0.65%, 0.66%, 0.67%, 0.68%, 0.68%, 0.70%, 0.71%, 0.72%, 0.73%, 0.74%, 0.75%, 0.76%, 0.77%, 0.78%, 0.79% or 0.80% Mn. All percentages are expressed in wt.%. As discussed above and Figure 1 As shown, Mn has the greatest negative impact on thermal conductivity. Most of the Mn remains in solid solution, while a small amount precipitates as a component during solidification and as a dispersion during the ingot preheating and annealing steps. The addition of Si and Fe in the amounts described herein promotes the formation of a Mn-containing dispersion to limit the negative impact of Mn on thermal conductivity. Surprisingly, the aluminum alloys described herein can achieve balanced strength while limiting the negative impact of Mn on thermal conductivity due to the solid solution strengthening effect of Mn. Sufficient Mn (optionally in combination with Cu) is added to the aluminum alloy to provide strength, sag resistance, and avoid fin corrosion, but not to the extent that it adversely affects thermal conductivity.

[0067] Magnesium (Mg)

[0068] In some examples, the alloy includes magnesium (Mg) in an amount of 0.20% to 0.80% (eg, 0.20% to 0.80%, 0.25% to 0.80%, or 0.30% to 0.80%) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy may include 0.20%, 0.21%, 0.22%, 0.23%, 0.24%, 0.25%, 0.26%, 0.27%, 0.28%, 0.29%, 0.30%, 0.31%, 0.32%, 0.33%, 0.34%, 0.35%, 0.36%, 0.37%, 0.38%, 0.39%, 0.40%, 0.41%, 0.42%, 0.43%, 0.44%, 0.45%, 0.46%, 0.47%, 0.48%, 0.49%, %, 0.74%, 0.75%, 0.76%, 0.77%, 0.78%, 0.79% or 0.80% Mg. All percentages are expressed in wt.%.

[0069] Zinc (Zn)

[0070] In some examples, the alloy includes zinc (Zn) in an amount of 0.50% to 3.50% (e.g., 0.50% to 3.25%, 0.60% to 3.00%, 0.60% to 2.75%, 0.50% to 2.50%, 1.00% to 2.50%, or 0.70% to 2.50%) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy may include 0.50%, 0.51%, 0.52%, 0.53%, 0.54%, 0.55%, 0.56%, 0.57%, 0.58%, 0.59%, 0.60%, 0.61%, 0.62%, 0.63%, 0.64%, 0.65%, 0.66%, 0.67%, 0.68%, 0.68%, 0.70%, 0.71%, 0.72%, 0.73%, 0.74%, 0.75%, 0.76%, 0.77%, 0.78%, 0.79%, 0.80%, 0.81%, 0.82%, 0.83%, 0.84%, 0.85%, 0.86%, 0.87%, 0.88%, 0.89%, 0.90%, 0.91%, 0.92%, 0.93%, 0.94%, 0.95%, 0.96%, 0.97%, 0.98%, 0.99%, 0.91%, 0.92%, 0.93%, 0.94%, 0.95%, 0.96%, 0.97%, 0.98%, 0.99%, 0.90 ... 5%, 0.86%, 0.87%, 0.88%, 0.89%, 0.90%, 0.91%, 0.92%, 0.93%, 0.94%, 0.95%, 0.96%, 0.97%, 0.98%, 0.99%, 1.00%, 1.01%, 1.02%, 1.03%, 1.04%, 1.05%, 1.06%, 1.07%, 1.08%, 1.09%, 1.10%, 1.11%, 1.12%, 1.13%, 1.14%, 1.15%, 1.16%, 1.17%, 1.18%, 1.19%, 1.20%, 1.21%, 1.2 2%, 1.23%, 1.24%, 1.25%, 1.26%, 1.27%, 1.28%, 1.29%, 1.30%, 1.31%, 1.32%, 1.33%, 1.34%, 1.35%, 1.36%, 1.37%, 1.38%, 1.39%, 1.40%, 1.41%, 1.42%, 1.43%, 1.44%, 1.45%, 1.46%, 1.47%, 1.48%, 1.49%, 1.50%, 1.51%, 1.52%, 1.53%, 1.54%, 1.55%, 1.56%, 1.57%, 1.58%, 1. 59%, 1.60%, 1.61%, 1.62%, 1.63%, 1.64%, 1.65%, 1.66%, 1.67%, 1.68%, 1.69%, 1.70%, 1.71%, 1.72%, 1.73%, 1.74%, 1.75%, 1.76%, 1.77%, 1.78%, 1.79%, 1.80%, 1.81%, 1.82%, 1.83%, 1.84%, 1.85%, 1.86%, 1.87%, 1.88%, 1.89%, 1.90%, 1.91%, 1.92%, 1.93%, 1.94%, 1.95%, 1.96%, 1.97%, 1.98%, 1.99%, 2.00%, 2.01%, 2.02%, 2.03%, 2.04%, 2.05%, 2.06%, 2.07%, 2.08%, 2.09%, 2.10%, 2.11%, 2.12%, 2.13%, 2.14%, 2.15%, 2.16%, 2.17%, 2.18%, 2.19%, 2.20%, 2.21%, 2.22%, 2.23%, 2.24%, 2.25%, 2.26%, 2.27%, 2.28%, 2.29%, 2.30%, 2.31%, 2.32%, 2.33%, 2.34%, 2.35%, 2.36%, 2.37%, 2.38%, 2.39%, 2.40%, 2.41%, 2.42%, 2.43%, 2.44%, 2.45%, 2.46%, 2.47%, 2.48%, 2.49%, 2.50%, 2.51%, 2.52%, 2.53%, 2.54%, 2.55%, 2.56%, 2.57%, 2.58%, 2.59%, 2.60%, 2.61%, 2.62%, 2.63%, 2.64%, 2.65%, 2.66%, 2.67%, 2.68%, 2.69%, 2.70%, 2.71%, 2.72%, 2.73% %, 2.74%, 2.75%, 2.76%, 2.77%, 2.78%, 2.79%, 2.80%, 2.81%, 2.82%, 2.83%, 2.84%, 2.85%, 2.86%, 2.87%, 2.88%, 2.89%, 2.90%, 2.91%, 2.92%, 2.93%, 2.94%, 2.95%, 2.96%, 2.97%, 2.98%, 2.99%, 3.00%, 3.01%, 3.02%, 3.03%, 3.04%, 3.05%, 3.06%, 3.07%, 3.08%, 3.09%, 3.10%, 3.11%, 3.12 %, 3.13%, 3.14%, 3.15%, 3.16%, 3.17%, 3.18%, 3.19%, 3.20%, 3.21%, 3.22%, 3.23%, 3.24%, 3.25%, 3.26%, 3.27%, 3.28%, 3.29%, 3.30%, 3.31%, 3.32%, 3.33%, 3.34%, 3.35%, 3.36%, 3.37%, 3.38%, 3.39%, 3.40%, 3.41%, 3.42%, 3.43%, 3.44%, 3.45%, 3.46%, 3.47%, 3.48%, 3.49% or 3.50% Zn. All percentages are in wt.%.Expression. The Zn content can improve the corrosion potential of the aluminum alloy described herein. Zn affects the anodic potential of the aluminum alloy. Adding Zn will cause the aluminum alloy to become more electronegative (sacrificial). In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy described herein has a higher Zn content than AA3105 aluminum alloy, so that the aluminum alloy will be able to act sacrificially when attached to copper or other aluminum alloy tubes, thereby providing cathodic protection to the tubes. In heat exchanger units, the fin material is preferably sacrificial to the tube material and this will depend on the composition of the tube material itself. By using an aluminum alloy with sufficient Zn for the fin blank, the difference in corrosion potential between the tube and the fin blank can be customized to a sufficient level of protection. Specifically, when Zn is incorporated at levels as described herein, such as 0.50% to 3.50%, the alloy exhibits a more adequate corrosion potential, as compared to AA3105 aluminum alloy. In still further examples, Zn can be incorporated into the aluminum alloy in an optimal amount as described herein to provide an alloy suitable for use as an industrial fin. For example, at Zn levels higher than those described herein, alloys used for fins may corrode more rapidly than fins containing the stated amounts of Zn, leading to fin perforation. As a result, the mechanical integrity and thermal performance of the heat exchanger may be compromised, thereby impacting the useful life of the heat exchanger.

[0071] Chromium (Cr)

[0072] In some examples, the alloy includes chromium (Cr) in an amount of up to 0.20% (e.g., up to 0.15%, up to 0.10%, or up to 0.05%) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy can include 0.001%, 0.002%, 0.003%, 0.004%, 0.005%, 0.006%, 0.007%, 0.008%, 0.009%, 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.10%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0.19%, or 0.20% Cr. In some cases, Cr is not present in the alloy (ie, 0%). All percentages are expressed in wt. %.

[0073] Titanium (Ti)

[0074] In some examples, the alloy includes titanium (Ti) in an amount of up to 0.20% (e.g., up to 0.15%, up to 0.10%, or up to 0.05%), based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy can include 0.001%, 0.002%, 0.003%, 0.004%, 0.005%, 0.006%, 0.007%, 0.008%, 0.009%, 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.10%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0.19%, or 0.20% Ti. In some cases, Ti is not present in the alloy (ie, 0%). All percentages are expressed in wt. %.

[0075] Optionally, the alloy composition may further include other trace elements, sometimes referred to as impurities, in amounts of 0.05% or less, 0.04% or less, 0.03% or less, 0.02% or less, or 0.01% or less, each. These impurities may include, but are not limited to, Na, Ga, V, Ni, Sc, Ag, B, Bi, Zr, Li, Pb, Sn, Ca, Hf, Sr, or combinations thereof. Thus, Na, Ga, V, Ni, Sc, Ag, B, Bi, Zr, Li, Pb, Sn, Ca, Hf, or Sr may be present in the alloy in amounts of 0.05% or less, 0.04% or less, 0.03% or less, 0.02% or less, or 0.01% or less. In certain aspects, the sum of all impurities does not exceed 0.15% (e.g., 0.1%). All percentages are expressed in wt.%. In certain aspects, the remainder of the alloy is aluminum.

[0076] In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy includes a combined Si and Fe content of at least 0.50% (e.g., at least 0.60%, at least 0.70%, at least 0.80%, at least 0.90%, at least 1.00%, at least 1.10%, at least 1.20%, at least 1.25%, at least 1.30%, at least 1.40%, or at least 1.50%). In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy includes a combined Si and Fe content of 0.50% to 2.30% (e.g., 0.50% to 1.80%, 0.60% to 2.20%, 0.70% to 2.10%, 0.80% to 2.00%, 0.90% to 1.80%, 1.00% to 2.10%, 1.10% to 2.20%, 1.20% to 2.00%, or 1.70% to 2.30%). All percentages are expressed in wt. %.

[0077] In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy comprises a (Si + Fe):Mn ratio of at least 0.90: 1 (e.g., at least 1.00: 1, at least 1.20: 1, at least 1.40: 1, at least 1.60: 1, at least 1.80: 1, at least 2.0: 1, at least 2.20: 1, at least 2.40: 1, or at least 2.5: 1). In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy comprises a (Si + Fe):Mn ratio of 0.90: 1 to 3.00: 1 (e.g., 1.00: 1 to 3.00: 1, 1.20: 1 to 2.90: 1, 1.10: 1 to 2.80: 1, 1.20: 1 to 2.75: 1, 1.25: 1 to 2.60: 1, 1.40: 1 to 2.50: 1, or 1.50: 1 to 2.50: 1).

[0078] Other alloy compositions

[0079] In some examples, the aluminum alloy may have the following elemental composition as provided in Table 6.

[0080] Table 6

[0081]

[0082]

[0083] In some examples, the aluminum alloy may have the following elemental composition as provided in Table 7.

[0084] Table 7

[0085]

[0086] In some examples, the aluminum alloy may have the following elemental composition as provided in Table 8.

[0087] Table 8

[0088]

[0089]

[0090] In some examples, the aluminum alloy may have the following elemental composition as provided in Table 9.

[0091] Table 9

[0092]

[0093] In some examples, the aluminum alloy may have the following elemental composition as provided in Table 10.

[0094] Table 10

[0095]

[0096]

[0097] In some examples, the aluminum alloy may have the following elemental composition as provided in Table 11.

[0098] Table 11

[0099]

[0100] Silicon (Si)

[0101] In some examples, the alloy includes Si in an amount of 0.40% to 1.30% (e.g., 0.50% to 1.20%, 0.60% to 1.10%, 0.70% to 1.10%, or 0.50% to 0.70%), based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy may include 0.40%, 0.41%, 0.42%, 0.43%, 0.44%, 0.45%, 0.46%, 0.47%, 0.48%, 0.49%, 0.50%, 0.51%, 0.52%, 0.53%, 0.54%, 0.55%, 0.56%, 0.57%, 0.58%, 0.59%, 0.60%, 0.61%, , 0.62%, 0.63%, 0.64%, 0.65%, 0.66%, 0.67%, 0.68%, 0.68%, 0.70%, 0.71%, 0.72%, 0.73%, 0.74%, 0.75%, 0.76%, 0.77%, 0.78%, 0.79%, 0.80%, 0.81%, 0.82%, 0.83%, 0.84%, 0.85%, 0.86%, 0.87%, 0.88%, 0.89%, 0.90%, 0.91%, 0.92%, 0.93%, 0.94%, 0.95%, 0.96%, 0.97%, 0.98%, 0.99%, 1.00%, 1.01%, 1.02%, 1.03%, 1.04%, 1.05%, 1.06%, 1.07%, 1 %. All percentages are expressed in wt. %.

[0102] Iron (Fe)

[0103] In some examples, the alloy includes Fe in an amount of 0.50% to 2.50% (e.g., 0.50% to 2.25%, 0.50% to 2.00%, 0.60% to 1.80%, 0.70% to 1.50%, 0.90% to 1.40%, or 0.70% to 1.20%) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy may include 0.50%, 0.51%, 0.52%, 0.53%, 0.54%, 0.55%, 0.56%, 0.57%, 0.58%, 0.59%, 0.60%, 0.61%, 0.62%, 0.63%, 0.64%, 0.65%, 0.66%, 0.67%, 0.68%, 0.68%, 0.70%, 0.71%, 0.72%, 0.73%, 0.74%, 0.75%, 0.76%, 0.77%, 0.78%, 0.79%, 0.80%, 0.81%, 0.82%, 0.83%, 0.84%, 0.85%, 0.86%, 0.87%, 0.88%, 0.89%, 0.90%, 0.91%, 0.92%, 0.93%, 0.94%, 0.95%, 0.96%, 0.97%, 0.98%, 0.99%, 0.91%, 0.92%, 0.93%, 0.94%, 0.95%, 0.96%, 0.97%, 0.98%, 0.99%, 0.90 ... 5%, 0.86%, 0.87%, 0.88%, 0.89%, 0.90%, 0.91%, 0.92%, 0.93%, 0.94%, 0.95%, 0.96%, 0.97%, 0.98%, 0.99%, 1.00%, 1.01%, 1.02%, 1.03%, 1.04%, 1.05%, 1.06%, 1.07%, 1.08%, 1.09%, 1.10%, 1.11%, 1.12%, 1.13%, 1.14%, 1.15%, 1.16%, 1.17%, 1.18%, 1.19%, 1.20%, 1.21%, 1.2 2%, 1.23%, 1.24%, 1.25%, 1.26%, 1.27%, 1.28%, 1.29%, 1.30%, 1.31%, 1.32%, 1.33%, 1.34%, 1.35%, 1.36%, 1.37%, 1.38%, 1.39%, 1.40%, 1.41%, 1.42%, 1.43%, 1.44%, 1.45%, 1.46%, 1.47%, 1.48%, 1.49%, 1.50%, 1.51%, 1.52%, 1.53%, 1.54%, 1.55%, 1.56%, 1.57%, 1.58%, 1. 59%, 1.60%, 1.61%, 1.62%, 1.63%, 1.64%, 1.65%, 1.66%, 1.67%, 1.68%, 1.69%, 1.70%, 1.71%, 1.72%, 1.73%, 1.74%, 1.75%, 1.76%, 1.77%, 1.78%, 1.79%, 1.80%, 1.81%, 1.82%, 1.83%, 1.84%, 1.85%, 1.86%, 1.87%, 1.88%, 1.89%, 1.90%, 1.91%, 1.92%, 1.93%, 1.94%, 1.95%, 1.96%, 1.97%, 1.98%, 1.99%, 2.00%, 2.01%, 2.02%, 2.03%, 2.04%, 2.05%, 2.06%, 2.07%, 2.08%, 2.09%, 2.10%, 2.11%, 2.12%, 2.13%, 2.14%, 2.15%, 2.16%, 2.17%, 2.18%, 2.19%, 2.20%, 2.21%, 2.22%, 2.23% %, 2.24%, 2.25%, 2.26%, 2.27%, 2.28%, 2.29%, 2.30%, 2.31%, 2.32%, 2.33%, 2.34%, 2.35%, 2.36%, 2.37%, 2.38%, 2.39%, 2.40%, 2.41%, 2.42%, 2.43%, 2.44%, 2.45%, 2.46%, 2.47%, 2.48%, 2.49% or 2.50% Fe. All percentages are expressed in wt.%.

[0104] Copper (Cu)

[0105] In some examples, the alloy includes Cu in an amount of 0.10% to 0.40% (eg, 0.10% to 0.30%, 0.15% to 0.25%, or 0.10% to 0.20%) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy may include 0.10%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0.19%, 0.20%, 0.21%, 0.22%, 0.23%, 0.24%, 0.25%, 0.26%, 0.27%, 0.28%, 0.29%, 0.30%, 0.31%, 0.32%, 0.33%, 0.34%, 0.35%, 0.36%, 0.37%, 0.38%, 0.39%, or 0.40% Cu. All percentages are expressed in wt.%.

[0106] Manganese (Mn)

[0107] In some examples, the alloy includes Mn in an amount up to 1.00% (e.g., up to 1.00%, up to 0.90%, up to 0.80%, 0.50% to 1.00%, 0.50% to 0.90%, 0.60% to 0.90%, 0.60% to 0.80%, or 0.50% to 1.00%) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy may include 0.00%, 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.10%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0.19%, 0.20%, 0.21%, 0.22%, 0.23%, 0. 24%, 0.25%, 0.26%, 0.27%, 0.28%, 0.29%, 0.30%, 0.31%, 0.32%, 0.33%, 0.34%, 0.35%, 0.36%, 0.37%, 0.38%, 0.39%, 0.40%, 0.41%, 0.42%, 0.43%, 0.44%, 0.45%, 0.46%, 0.47%, 0.48%, 0.49%, 0.50%, 0.51%, 0.52%, 0.53%, 0.54%, 0.55%, 0.56%, 0.57%, 0.58%, 0.59%, 0.60%, 0.61%, 0.62%, 0.63%, 0.64%, 0.65%, 0.66%, 0.67%, 0.68%, 0.68%, 0.70%, 0.71%, 0.72%, 0.73%, 0.74%, 0.75 %, 0.76%, 0.77%, 0.78%, 0.79%, 0.80%, 0.81%, 0.82%, 0.83%, 0.84%, 0.85%, 0.86%, 0.87%, 0.88%, 0.89%, 0.90%, 0.91%, 0.92%, 0.93%, 0.94%, 0.95%, 0.96%, 0.97%, 0.98%, 0.99%, or 1.00% Mn. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy composition includes 0% Mn. All percentages are expressed in wt.%.

[0108] Magnesium (Mg)

[0109] In some examples, the alloy includes Mg in an amount of 0.40% to 0.80% (e.g., 0.50% to 0.80%, 0.60% to 0.80%, or 0.40% to 0.60%) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy may include 0.40%, 0.41%, 0.42%, 0.43%, 0.44%, 0.45%, 0.46%, 0.47%, 0.48%, 0.49%, 0.50%, 0.51%, 0.52%, 0.53%, 0.54%, 0.55%, 0.56%, 0.57%, 0.58%, 0.59%, 0.60%, 0.61%, 0.62%, 0.63%, 0.64%, 0.65%, 0.66%, 0.67%, 0.68%, 0.69%, 0.70%, 0.71%, 0.72%, 0.73%, 0.74%, 0.75%, 0.76%, 0.77%, 0.78%, 0.79%, 0.80%, 0.81%, 0.82%, 0.83%, 0.84%, 0.85%, 0.86%, 0.87%, 0.88%, 0.89%, 0.90%, 0.91%, 0.92%, 0.93%, 0.94%, 0.95%, 0.96%, 0.97%, 0.98%, 0.9 ...9%, 0. 0.60%, 0.61%, 0.62%, 0.63%, 0.64%, 0.65%, 0.66%, 0.67%, 0.68%, 0.68%, 0.70%, 0.71%, 0.72%, 0.73%, 0.74%, 0.75%, 0.76%, 0.77%, 0.78%, 0.79% or 0.80% Mg. All percentages are expressed in wt.%.

[0110] Zinc (Zn)

[0111] In some examples, the alloy includes Zn in an amount of up to 3.50% (eg, up to 3.25%, up to 3.00%, up to 2.75%, or up to 2.50%) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy may include 0.00%, 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.10%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0.19%, 0.20%, 0.21%, 0.22%, 0.23%, 0.24%, 0.25%, 0.26%, 0.27%, 0.28%, 0.29%, 0.30%, 0.31%, 0.32%, 0.33%, 0.34%, 0.35%, 0.36%, 0.37%, 0.38%, 0.39%, 0.40%, 0.41%, 0.42%, 0.43%, 0.44%, 0.45%, 0.46%, 0.47%, 0.48%, 0.49%, 0.50%, 0.51%, 0.52%, 0.53%, 0.54%, 0.55%, 0.56%, 0.57%, 0.58%, 0.59%, 0.60%, 0.61%, 0.62%, 0.63%, 0.64%, 0.65%, 0.66%, 0.67%, 0.68%, 0.69%, 0.70%, 0.71%, 0.72%, 0.73%, 0.74%, 0.75%, 0.76%, 0.77%, 0.78%, 0.79%, 0.80%, 0.81%, 0.82%, 0.83%, 37%, 0.38%, 0.39%, 0.40%, 0.41%, 0.42%, 0.43%, 0.44%, 0.45%, 0.46%, 0.47%, 0.48%, 0.49%, 0.50%, 0.51%, 0.52%, 0.53%, 0.54%, 0.55%, 0.56%, 0.57%, 0.58%, 0.59%, 0.60%, 0.61%, 0.62%, 0.63%, 0.64%, 0.65%, 0.66%, 0.67%, 0.68%, 0.68%, 0.70%, 0.71%, 0.72%, 0.73%, 0.74%, 0.75%, 0.76%, 0.77%, 0.78%, 0.79%, 0.80%, 0.81%, 0.82%, 0.83%, 0.84%, 0.85%, 0.86%, 0.87%, 0.88%, 0.89%, 0.90%, 0.91%, 0.92%, 0.93%, 0.94%, 0.95%, 0.96%, 0.97%, 0.98%, 0.99%, 1.00%, 1.01%, 1.02%, 1.03%, 1.04%, 1.05%, 1.06%, 1.07%, 1.08%, 1.09%, 1.10%, 1.11%, 1.12%, 1.13%, 1.14 %, 1.15%, 1.16%, 1.17%, 1.18%, 1.19%, 1.20%, 1.21%, 1.22%, 1.23%, 1.24%, 1.25%, 1.26%, 1.27%, 1.28%, 1.29%, 1.30%, 1.31%, 1.32%, 1.33%, 1.34%, 1.35%, 1.36%, 1.37%, 1.38%, 1.39%, 1.40%, 1.41%, 1.42%, 1.43%, 1.44%, 1.45%, 1.46%, 1.47%, 1.48%, 1.49%, 1.50%, 1.51%, 1.52%, 1.53％、1.54％、1.55％、1.56％、1.57％、1.58％、1.59％、1.60％、1.61％、1.62％、1.63％、1.64％、1.65％、1.66％、1.67％、1.68％、1.69％、1.70％、1.71％、1.72％、1.73％、1.74％、1.75％、1.76％、1.77％、1.78％、1.79％、1.80％、1.81％、1.82％、1.83％、1.84％、1.85％、1.86％、1.87％、1.88％、1.89％、1.90％、1.91％、1.92％、1.93％、1.94％、1.95％、1.96％、1.97％、1.98％、1.99％、2.00％、2.01％、2.02％、2.03％、2.04％、2.05％、2.06％、2.07％、2.08％、2.09％、2.10％、2.11％、2.12％、2.13％、2.14％、2.15％、2.16％、2.17％、2.18％、2.19％、2.20％、2.21％、2.22％、2.23％、2.24％、2.25％、2.26％、2.27％、2.28％、2.29％、2.30％、2.31％、2.32％、2.33％、2.34％、2.35％、2.36％、2.37％、2.38％、2.39％、2.40％、2.41％、2.42％、2.43％、2.44％、2.45％、2.46％、2.47％、2.48％、2.49％、2.50％、2.51％、2.52％、2.53％、2.54％、2.55％、2.56％、2.57％、2.58％、2.59％、2.60％、2.61％、2.62％、2.63％、2.64％、2.65％、2.66％、2.67％、2.68％、2.69％、2.70％、2.71％、2.72％、2.73％、2.74％、2.75％、2.76％、2.77％、2.78％、2.79％、2.80％、2.81％、2.82％、2.83％、2.84％、2.85％、2.86％、2.87％、2.88％、2.89％、2.90％、2.91％、2.92％、2.93％、2.94％、2.95％、2.96％、2.97％、2.98％、2.99％、3.00％、3.01％、3.02％、3.03％、3.04％、3.05％、3.06％、3.07％、3.08％、3.09％、3.10％、3.11％、3.12％、3.13％、3.14％、3.15％、3.16％、3.17％、3.18％、3.%. The aluminum alloy compositions include 0% Zn. All percentages are expressed in wt.%. The Zn content can optionally be provided to improve the corrosion potential of the aluminum alloys described herein. Zn can be incorporated into aluminum alloys in optimal amounts as described herein to provide alloys suitable for use as industrial fins. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy includes at least 1.50 wt.% Zn to provide good corrosion potential.

[0112] Chromium (Cr)

[0113] In some examples, the alloy includes Cr in an amount of up to 0.20% (e.g., up to 0.15%, up to 0.10%, or up to 0.05%) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy can include 0.001%, 0.002%, 0.003%, 0.004%, 0.005%, 0.006%, 0.007%, 0.008%, 0.009%, 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.10%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0.19%, or 0.20% Cr. In some cases, Cr is not present in the alloy (ie, 0%). All percentages are expressed in wt. %.

[0114] Titanium (Ti)

[0115] In some examples, the alloy includes Ti in an amount of up to 0.20% (e.g., up to 0.15%, up to 0.10%, or up to 0.05%), based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy can include 0.001%, 0.002%, 0.003%, 0.004%, 0.005%, 0.006%, 0.007%, 0.008%, 0.009%, 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.10%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0.19%, or 0.20% Ti. In some cases, Ti is not present in the alloy (ie, 0%). All percentages are expressed in wt. %.

[0116] Optionally, the alloy may further include other trace elements, sometimes referred to as impurities, in amounts of 0.05% or less, 0.04% or less, 0.03% or less, 0.02% or less, or 0.01% or less, each. These impurities may include, but are not limited to, Na, Ga, V, Ni, Sc, Ag, B, Bi, Zr, Li, Pb, Sn, Ca, Hf, Sr, or combinations thereof. Thus, Na, Ga, V, Ni, Sc, Ag, B, Bi, Zr, Li, Pb, Sn, Ca, Hf, or Sr may be present in the alloy in amounts of 0.05% or less, 0.04% or less, 0.03% or less, 0.02% or less, or 0.01% or less. In certain aspects, the sum of all impurities does not exceed 0.15% (e.g., 0.1%). All percentages are expressed in wt.%. In certain aspects, the remainder of the alloy is aluminum.

[0117] In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy composition includes 0.50–0.70 wt.% Si, 0.70–1.20 wt.% Fe, 0.10–0.20 wt.% Cu, 0.50–1.00 wt.% Mn, 0.40–0.60 wt.% Mg, up to 3.5 wt.% Zn, up to 0.05 wt.% Cr, up to 0.5 wt.% Ti, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and the balance Al.

[0118] In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy composition includes 0.50–0.70 wt.% Si, 0.70–1.20 wt.% Fe, 0.10–0.20 wt.% Cu, 0.50–1.00 wt.% Mn, 0.40–0.60 wt.% Mg, 0.50–3.50 wt.% Zn, up to 0.05 wt.% Cr, up to 0.5 wt.% Ti, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and the balance Al.

[0119] In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy composition includes 0.50–0.70 wt.% Si, 0.70–1.20 wt.% Fe, 0.10–0.20 wt.% Cu, 0.50–1.00 wt.% Mn, 0.40–0.60 wt.% Mg, 0.50–2.00 wt.% Zn, up to 0.05 wt.% Cr, up to 0.5 wt.% Ti, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and the balance Al.

[0120] In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy composition includes 0.40–1.30 wt.% Si, 0.50–2.00 wt.% Fe, 0.10–0.40 wt.% Cu, 0.50–1.00 wt.% Mn, 0.40–0.80 wt.% Mg, up to 3.50 wt.% Zn, up to 0.20 wt.% Cr, up to 0.20 wt.% Ti, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and the balance Al.

[0121] In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy composition includes 0.50–1.20 wt.% Si, 0.60–1.80 wt.% Fe, 0.10–0.30 wt.% Cu, 0.50–0.90 wt.% Mn, 0.40–0.80 wt.% Mg, up to 3.25 wt.% Zn, up to 0.15 wt.% Cr, up to 0.15 wt.% Ti, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and the balance Al.

[0122] In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy composition includes 0.60–1.10 wt.% Si, 0.70–1.50 wt.% Fe, 0.10–0.30 wt.% Cu, 0.60–0.90 wt.% Mn, 0.50–0.80 wt.% Mg, up to 3.00 wt.% Zn, up to 0.10 wt.% Cr, up to 0.10 wt.% Ti, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and the balance Al.

[0123] In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy composition includes 0.70–1.10 wt.% Si, 0.90–1.40 wt.% Fe, 0.15–0.25 wt.% Cu, 0.60–0.80 wt.% Mn, 0.50–0.70 wt.% Mg, up to 2.75 wt.% Zn, up to 0.05 wt.% Cr, up to 0.05 wt.% Ti, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and the balance Al.

[0124] In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy composition includes 0.50–0.70 wt.% Si, 0.70–1.20 wt.% Fe, 0.10–0.20 wt.% Cu, 0.50–1.00 wt.% Mn, 0.40–0.60 wt.% Mg, up to 2.50 wt.% Zn, up to 0.05 wt.% Cr, up to 0.05 wt.% Ti, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and the balance Al.

[0125] In the above embodiments, the aluminum alloy may include 0 wt.% Zn based on the total weight of the aluminum alloy composition. For example, in embodiments where the aluminum alloy has a sufficient corrosion potential or the aluminum alloy does not require a specific corrosion potential, little or no Zn is added to the aluminum alloy.

[0126] In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy includes a combined Si and Fe content of at least 1.00% (e.g., at least 1.10%, at least 1.20%, at least 1.25%, at least 1.30%, at least 1.40%, or at least 1.50%). In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy includes a combined Si and Fe content of 1.00% to 4.20% (e.g., 1.25% to 4.00%, 1.30% to 3.75%, 1.40% to 3.50%, 1.50% to 3.50%, 2.00% to 4.00%, 2.50% to 3.50%, or 3.00% to 4.00%). All percentages are expressed in wt.%.

[0127] In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy comprises a (Si+Fe):Mn ratio of at least 1.50: 1 (e.g., at least 1.60: 1, at least 1.70: 1, at least 1.80: 1, at least 1.90: 1, at least 2.0: 1, at least 2.10: 1, at least 2.20: 1, at least 2.30: 1, at least 2.40: 1, or at least 2.50: 1). In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy comprises a (Si+Fe):Mn ratio of 1.50: 1 to 4.50: 1 (e.g., 1.75: 1 to 4.00: 1, 1.80: 1 to 3.75: 1, 1.90: 1 to 3.50: 1, 2.00: 1 to 3.00: 1, or 1.50: 1 to 2.50: 1).

[0128] High Fe aluminum alloy composition

[0129] In some examples, the aluminum alloy may have the following elemental composition as provided in Table 12.

[0130] Table 12

[0131]

[0132] In some examples, the aluminum alloy may have the following elemental composition as provided in Table 13.

[0133] Table 13

[0134]

[0135] In some examples, the aluminum alloy may have the following elemental composition as provided in Table 14.

[0136] Table 14

[0137]

[0138]

[0139] In some examples, the aluminum alloy may have the following elemental composition as provided in Table 15.

[0140] Table 15

[0141]

[0142] In some examples, the aluminum alloy may have the following elemental composition as provided in Table 16.

[0143] Table 16

[0144]

[0145]

[0146] Silicon (Si)

[0147] In some examples, the alloy includes Si in an amount of 0.10% to 1.30% (e.g., 0.20% to 1.20%, 0.30% to 1.10%, 0.60% to 0.90%, 0.50% to 1.00%, 0.60% to 1.00%, or 0.80% to 1.30%) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy may include 0.10%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0.19%, 0.20%, 0.21%, 0.22%, 0.23%, 0.24%, 0.25%, 0.26%, 0.27%, 0.28%, 0.29%, 0.30%, 0.31%, 0.32%, 0.33%, 0.34%, 0.35%, 0.36%, 0.37%, 0.38%, 0. 39%, 0.40%, 0.41%, 0.42%, 0.43%, 0.44%, 0.45%, 0.46%, 0.47%, 0.48%, 0.49%, 0.50%, 0.51%, 0.52%, 0.53%, 0.54%, 0.55%, 0.56%, 0.57%, 0.58%, 0.59%, 0.60%, 0.61%, 0.62%, 0.63%, 0.64%, 0.65%, 0.66%, 0.67%, 0.68%, 0.68%, 0.70%, 0.71%, 0.72%, 0.73%, 0.74%, 0.75%, 0.76%, 0.77%, 0.78%, 0.79%, 0.80%, 0.81%, 0.82%, 0.83%, 0.84%, 0.85%, 0.86%, 0.87%, 0.88%, 0.89%, 0.90%, 0.91%, 0.92%, 0.93%, 0.94%, 0.95%, 0.96%, 0.97%, 0.98%, 0.99%, 1.00 %, 1.28%, 1.29%, or 1.30% Si. All percentages are expressed in wt. %.

[0148] Iron (Fe)

[0149] In some examples, the alloy includes Fe in an amount of 0.10% to 2.50% (e.g., 0.50% to 2.25%, 0.60% to 2.00%, 0.75% to 2.00%, 0.80% to 2.00%, 0.90% to 2.00%, or 1.00% to 2.00%) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy may include 0.10%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0.19%, 0.20%, 0.21%, 0.22%, 0.23%, 0.24%, 0.25%, 0.26%, 0.27%, 0.28%, 0.29%, 0.30%, 0.31%, 0.32%, 0.33%, 0.34%, 0.35%, 0.36%, 0.37%, 0.38%, 0.39%, 0.40%, 0.41%, 0.42%, 0.43%, 0.44%, 0.45%, 0.46%, 0.47%, 0.48%, 0.49%, 0.50%, 0.51%, 0.52%, 0.53%, 0.54%, 0.55%, 0.56%, 0.57%, 0.58%, 0.59%, 0.60%, 0.61%, 0.62%, 0.63%, 0.64%, 0.65%, 0.66%, 0.67%, 0.68%, 0.69%, 0.70%, 0.71%, 0.72%, 0.73%, 0.74%, 0.75%, 0.76%, 0.77%, 0.78%, 0.79%, 0.80%, 0.81%, 0.82%, 0.83%, 0.84%, 0.85%, 0.86%, 0.87%, 0.88%, 0.89%, 0.90%, 0.91%, 0.92%, 0.93%, 5%, 0.46%, 0.47%, 0.48%, 0.49%, 0.50%, 0.51%, 0.52%, 0.53%, 0.54%, 0.55%, 0.56%, 0.57%, 0.58%, 0.59%, 0.60%, 0.61%, 0.62%, 0.63%, 0.64%, 0.65%, 0.66%, 0.67%, 0.68%, 0.68%, 0.70%, 0.71%, 0.72%, 0.73%, 0.74%, 0.75%, 0.76%, 0.77%, 0.78%, 0.79%, 0.80%, 0.81%, 0.8 2%, 0.83%, 0.84%, 0.85%, 0.86%, 0.87%, 0.88%, 0.89%, 0.90%, 0.91%, 0.92%, 0.93%, 0.94%, 0.95%, 0.96%, 0.97%, 0.98%, 0.99%, 1.00%, 1.01%, 1.02%, 1.03%, 1.04%, 1.05%, 1.06%, 1.07%, 1.08%, 1.09%, 1.10%, 1.11%, 1.12%, 1.13%, 1.14%, 1.15%, 1.16%, 1.17%, 1.18%, 1. 19%, 1.20%, 1.21%, 1.22%, 1.23%, 1.24%, 1.25%, 1.26%, 1.27%, 1.28%, 1.29%, 1.30%, 1.31%, 1.32%, 1.33%, 1.34%, 1.35%, 1.36%, 1.37%, 1.38%, 1.39%, 1.40%, 1.41%, 1.42%, 1.43%, 1.44%, 1.45%, 1.46%, 1.47%, 1.48%, 1.49%, 1.50%, 1.51%, 1.52%, 1.53%, 1.54%, 1.55%, 1.56%, 1.57%, 1.58%, 1.59%, 1.60%, 1.61%, 1.62%, 1.63%, 1.64%, 1.65%, 1.66%, 1.67%, 1.68%, 1.69%, 1.70%, 1.71%, 1.72%, 1.73%, 1.74%, 1.75%, 1.76%, 1.77%, 1.78%, 1.79%, 1.80%, 1.81%, 1.82%, 1.83%, 1.84%, 1.85%, 1.86%, 1.87%, 1.88%, 1.89%, 1.90%, 1.91%, 1.92%, 1.93%, 1.94%, 1.95%, 1.96%, 1.97%, 1.98%, 1.99%, 2.00%, 2.01%, 2.02%, 2.03% , 2.04%, 2.05%, 2.06%, 2.07%, 2.08%, 2.09%, 2.10%, 2.11%, 2.12%, 2.13%, 2.14%, 2.15%, 2.16%, 2.17%, 2.18%, 2.19%, 2.20%, 2.21%, 2.22%, 2.23%, 2.24%, 2.25%, 2.26%, 2.27 %, 2.28%, 2.29%, 2.30%, 2.31%, 2.32%, 2.33%, 2.34%, 2.35%, 2.36%, 2.37%, 2.38%, 2.39%, 2.40%, 2.41%, 2.42%, 2.43%, 2.44%, 2.45%, 2.46%, 2.47%, 2.48%, 2.49% or 2.50% Fe. All percentages are expressed in wt.%.

[0150] Copper (Cu)

[0151] In some examples, the alloy includes Cu in an amount of 0% to 0.30% (eg, 0.01% to 0.30%, 0.01% to 0.25%, 0.01% to 0.20%, or 0.10% to 0.30%) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy may include 0%, 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.10%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0.19%, 0.20%, 0.21%, 0.22%, 0.23%, 0.24%, 0.25%, 0.26%, 0.27%, 0.28%, 0.29%, or 0.30% Cu. All percentages are expressed in wt.%.

[0152] Manganese (Mn)

[0153] In some examples, the alloy includes Mn in an amount of 0.01% to 0.80% (e.g., 0.05% to 0.70%, 0.10% to 0.70%, 0.20% to 0.80%, 0.30% to 0.70%, or 0.30% to 0.50%) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy may include 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.10%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0.19%, 0.20%, 0.21%, 0.22%, 0.23%, 0.24%, 0.25%, 0.26%, 0.27%, 0.28%, 0.29%, 0.30%, 0.31%, 0.32%, 0.33%, 0.34%, 0.35%, 0.36%, 0.37%, 0.38%, 0.39%, 0.40%, 0.41%, 0.42%, 0.43%, 0.44%, 0.45%, 0.46%, 0.47%, 0.48%, 0.49%, 0.50%, 0.51%, 0.52%, 0.53%, 0.54%, 0.55%, 0.56%, 0.57%, 0.58%, 0.59%, 0.60%, 0.61%, 0.62%, 0.63%, 0.64%, 0.65%, 0.66%, 0.67%, 0.68%, 0.69%, 0.70%, 0.71%, 0.72%, 0.73%, 0.74%, 0.75%, 0.76%, 0.77%, 0.78%, 0.79%, 0.80%, 0.81%, 0.82%, 0.83%, 0.84%, 0%, 0.41%, 0.42%, 0.43%, 0.44%, 0.45%, 0.46%, 0.47%, 0.48%, 0.49%, 0.50%, 0.51%, 0.52%, 0.53%, 0.54%, 0.55%, 0.56%, 0.57%, 0.58%, 0.59%, 0.60%, 0.61%, 0.62%, 0.63%, 0.64%, 0.65%, 0.66%, 0.67%, 0.68%, 0.68%, 0.70%, 0.71%, 0.72%, 0.73%, 0.74%, 0.75%, 0.76%, 0.77%, 0.78%, 0.79% or 0.80% Mn. All percentages are expressed in wt.%.

[0154] Magnesium (Mg)

[0155] In some examples, the alloy includes Mg in an amount of 0.20% to 0.80% (eg, 0.20% to 0.80%, 0.25% to 0.80%, or 0.30% to 0.80%) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy may include 0.20%, 0.21%, 0.22%, 0.23%, 0.24%, 0.25%, 0.26%, 0.27%, 0.28%, 0.29%, 0.30%, 0.31%, 0.32%, 0.33%, 0.34%, 0.35%, 0.36%, 0.37%, 0.38%, 0.39%, 0.40%, 0.41%, 0.42%, 0.43%, 0.44%, 0.45%, 0.46%, 0.47%, 0.48%, 0.49%, %, 0.74%, 0.75%, 0.76%, 0.77%, 0.78%, 0.79% or 0.80% Mg. All percentages are expressed in wt.%.

[0156] Zinc (Zn)

[0157] In some examples, the alloy includes Zn in an amount of 0.50% to 3.50% (e.g., 0.50% to 3.25%, 0.60% to 3.00%, 0.60% to 2.75%, 0.50% to 2.50%, 1.00% to 2.50%, or 0.70% to 2.50%) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy may include 0.50%, 0.51%, 0.52%, 0.53%, 0.54%, 0.55%, 0.56%, 0.57%, 0.58%, 0.59%, 0.60%, 0.61%, 0.62%, 0.63%, 0.64%, 0.65%, 0.66%, 0.67%, 0.68%, 0.68%, 0.70%, 0.71%, 0.72%, 0.73%, 0.74%, 0.75%, 0.76%, 0.77%, 0.78%, 0.79%, 0.80%, 0.81%, 0.82%, 0.83%, 0.84%, 0.85%, 0.86%, 0.87%, 0.88%, 0.89%, 0.90%, 0.91%, 0.92%, 0.93%, 0.94%, 0.95%, 0.96%, 0.97%, 0.98%, 0.99%, 0.91%, 0.92%, 0.93%, 0.94%, 0.95%, 0.96%, 0.97%, 0.98%, 0.99%, 0.90 ... 5%, 0.86%, 0.87%, 0.88%, 0.89%, 0.90%, 0.91%, 0.92%, 0.93%, 0.94%, 0.95%, 0.96%, 0.97%, 0.98%, 0.99%, 1.00%, 1.01%, 1.02%, 1.03%, 1.04%, 1.05%, 1.06%, 1.07%, 1.08%, 1.09%, 1.10%, 1.11%, 1.12%, 1.13%, 1.14%, 1.15%, 1.16%, 1.17%, 1.18%, 1.19%, 1.20%, 1.21%, 1.2 2%, 1.23%, 1.24%, 1.25%, 1.26%, 1.27%, 1.28%, 1.29%, 1.30%, 1.31%, 1.32%, 1.33%, 1.34%, 1.35%, 1.36%, 1.37%, 1.38%, 1.39%, 1.40%, 1.41%, 1.42%, 1.43%, 1.44%, 1.45%, 1.46%, 1.47%, 1.48%, 1.49%, 1.50%, 1.51%, 1.52%, 1.53%, 1.54%, 1.55%, 1.56%, 1.57%, 1.58%, 1. 59%, 1.60%, 1.61%, 1.62%, 1.63%, 1.64%, 1.65%, 1.66%, 1.67%, 1.68%, 1.69%, 1.70%, 1.71%, 1.72%, 1.73%, 1.74%, 1.75%, 1.76%, 1.77%, 1.78%, 1.79%, 1.80%, 1.81%, 1.82%, 1.83%, 1.84%, 1.85%, 1.86%, 1.87%, 1.88%, 1.89%, 1.90%, 1.91%, 1.92%, 1.93%, 1.94%, 1.95%, 1.96%, 1.97%, 1.98%, 1.99%, 2.00%, 2.01%, 2.02%, 2.03%, 2.04%, 2.05%, 2.06%, 2.07%, 2.08%, 2.09%, 2.10%, 2.11%, 2.12%, 2.13%, 2.14%, 2.15%, 2.16%, 2.17%, 2.18%, 2.19%, 2.20%, 2.21%, 2.22%, 2.23%, 2.24%, 2.25%, 2.26%, 2.27%, 2.28%, 2.29%, 2.30%, 2.31%, 2.32%, 2.33%, 2.34%, 2.35%, 2.36%, 2.37%, 2.38%, 2.39%, 2.40%, 2.41%, 2.42%, 2.43%, 2.44%, 2.45%, 2.46%, 2.47%, 2.48%, 2.49%, 2.50%, 2.51%, 2.52%, 2.53%, 2.54%, 2.55%, 2.56%, 2.57%, 2.58%, 2.59%, 2.60%, 2.61%, 2.62%, 2.63%, 2.64%, 2.65%, 2.66%, 2.67%, 2.68%, 2.69%, 2.70%, 2.71%, 2.72%, 2.73% %, 2.74%, 2.75%, 2.76%, 2.77%, 2.78%, 2.79%, 2.80%, 2.81%, 2.82%, 2.83%, 2.84%, 2.85%, 2.86%, 2.87%, 2.88%, 2.89%, 2.90%, 2.91%, 2.92%, 2.93%, 2.94%, 2.95%, 2.96%, 2.97%, 2.98%, 2.99%, 3.00%, 3.01%, 3.02%, 3.03%, 3.04%, 3.05%, 3.06%, 3.07%, 3.08%, 3.09%, 3.10%, 3.11%, 3.12 %, 3.13%, 3.14%, 3.15%, 3.16%, 3.17%, 3.18%, 3.19%, 3.20%, 3.21%, 3.22%, 3.23%, 3.24%, 3.25%, 3.26%, 3.27%, 3.28%, 3.29%, 3.30%, 3.31%, 3.32%, 3.33%, 3.34%, 3.35%, 3.36%, 3.37%, 3.38%, 3.39%, 3.40%, 3.41%, 3.42%, 3.43%, 3.44%, 3.45%, 3.46%, 3.47%, 3.48%, 3.49% or 3.50% Zn. All percentages are expressed in wt.%. .

[0158] Chromium (Cr)

[0159] In some examples, the alloy includes chromium (Cr) in an amount of up to 0.20% (e.g., up to 0.15%, up to 0.10%, or up to 0.05%) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy can include 0.001%, 0.002%, 0.003%, 0.004%, 0.005%, 0.006%, 0.007%, 0.008%, 0.009%, 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.10%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0.19%, or 0.20% Cr. In some cases, Cr is not present in the alloy (ie, 0%). All percentages are expressed in wt. %.

[0160] Titanium (Ti)

[0161] In some examples, the alloy includes titanium (Ti) in an amount of up to 0.20% (e.g., up to 0.15%, up to 0.10%, or up to 0.05%), based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy can include 0.001%, 0.002%, 0.003%, 0.004%, 0.005%, 0.006%, 0.007%, 0.008%, 0.009%, 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.10%, 0.11%, 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.14%, 0.15%, 0.16%, 0.17%, 0.18%, 0.19%, or 0.20% Ti. In some cases, Ti is not present in the alloy (ie, 0%). All percentages are expressed in wt. %.

[0162] Optionally, the alloy composition may further include other trace elements, sometimes referred to as impurities, in amounts of 0.05% or less, 0.04% or less, 0.03% or less, 0.02% or less, or 0.01% or less, each. These impurities may include, but are not limited to, Na, Ga, V, Ni, Sc, Ag, B, Bi, Zr, Li, Pb, Sn, Ca, Hf, Sr, or combinations thereof. Thus, Na, Ga, V, Ni, Sc, Ag, B, Bi, Zr, Li, Pb, Sn, Ca, Hf, or Sr may be present in the alloy in amounts of 0.05% or less, 0.04% or less, 0.03% or less, 0.02% or less, or 0.01% or less. In certain aspects, the sum of all impurities does not exceed 0.15% (e.g., 0.1%). All percentages are expressed in wt.%. In certain aspects, the remainder of the alloy is aluminum.

[0163] Recycled content

[0164] The aluminum alloys described herein can tolerate higher amounts of recycled aluminum alloy materials and still exhibit desired mechanical properties. By providing a customized aluminum alloy composition to compensate for impurities, the effects of impurities and / or alloying elements on the mechanical properties of the aluminum alloy are reduced. This enables higher amounts of cheaper, higher impurity recycled aluminum alloy materials (e.g., used 3xxx series aluminum alloys) to be used to produce aluminum alloys that still exhibit desired properties. The aluminum alloy compositions described herein can include higher amounts of recycled aluminum alloy materials compared to AA7072 aluminum alloy, with little or no additional raw aluminum.

[0165] In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy compositions described herein provide compositions that are well-suited for utilizing used AA3105 aluminum alloy scrap as a recycled material. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy compositions described herein can utilize UBC scrap. UBC scrap is a mixture of various aluminum alloys (e.g., from different aluminum alloys used for can bodies and can lids). UBC scrap typically includes a mixture of metals from various aluminum alloys, such as metals from can bodies (e.g., AA3104, AA3004, or other 3xxx series aluminum alloys) and can lids (e.g., AA5182, or other 5xxx series aluminum alloys). UBC scrap can be shredded and stripped of coating or paint before being melted and used as liquid metal billets in casting new metal products.

[0166] As discussed herein, due to the aluminum alloy composition, the aluminum alloy compositions described herein can utilize recycled aluminum alloy material (e.g., used AA3105 aluminum alloy scrap) to produce the aluminum alloy. This allows for the use of more recycled aluminum alloy material for producing the fin end stock and reduces the amount of raw aluminum. In some aspects, the aluminum alloys described herein include a significant amount of recycled aluminum alloy material scrap, such as 25% or greater, e.g., 30% or greater, 35% or greater, 40% or greater, 45% or greater, 50% or greater, 55% or greater, 60% or greater, 65% or greater, 70% or greater, or 75% or greater. In terms of ranges, the aluminum alloys described herein may include 25% to 90% recycled aluminum alloy material (e.g., 25% to 85%, 30% to 80%, 35% to 75%, 40% to 70%, 50% to 70%, or 35% to 50%). As discussed above, in some aspects, the aluminum alloys described herein are particularly well-suited to utilizing used AA3105 aluminum alloy scrap.

[0167] In some aspects, the aluminum alloys described herein include less than 30% primary aluminum, such as less than 30%, less than 29%, less than 28%, less than 27%, less than 26%, less than 25%, less than 24%, less than 23%, less than 22%, less than 21%, or less than 20%, all expressed in wt.%.

[0168] Alloy properties

[0169] The process for producing the aluminum alloys described herein produces an aluminum alloy that can be described as "strain hardened," "cold worked," and / or having or being in an "H1X" temper (e.g., H16 temper). The aluminum alloy's mechanical properties can be controlled by various processing conditions depending on the desired application. The alloy can be produced (or provided) in an H temper (e.g., HX1, HX2, HX3, HX4, HX5, HX6, HX7, HX8, or HX9 temper). As an example, the alloy can be produced (or provided) in an H1x or H2x temper. It will be understood that a specific range of properties is associated with the temper designation.

[0170] In some embodiments, the aluminum alloys described herein have high strength, corrosion potential, and thermal conductivity in an H temper (e.g., an H1x or H2x temper). In some embodiments, the aluminum alloys described herein have adequate corrosion potential in an H temper (e.g., an H16 temper). As a result of controlling composition and microstructure as described herein, the aluminum alloys described herein exhibit the following balance of properties.

[0171] In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy may have a yield strength (YS) of at least 50 MPa. In non-limiting examples, the yield strength is at least 50 MPa, at least 60 MPa, at least 70 MPa, at least 80 MPa, at least 90 MPa, at least 100 MPa, at least 110 MPa, at least 120 MPa, at least 130 MPa, at least 140 MPa, at least 150 MPa, or at least 160 MPa, or any value therebetween. In some cases, the yield strength is from 50 MPa to 180 MPa. For example, the yield strength may be from 55 MPa to 175 MPa, from 60 MPa to 170 MPa, from 65 MPa to 165 MPa, from 70 MPa to 160 MPa, or from 75 MPa to 170 MPa.

[0172] The yield strength will vary based on the temper of the alloy. In some examples, the alloys described herein provided in the H temper may have a yield strength of at least 100 MPa to 170 MPa. In non-limiting examples, the yield strength of the alloy in the H temper is at least 110 MPa, at least 120 MPa, at least 125 MPa, at least 130 MPa, at least 135 MPa, at least 140 MPa, at least 145 MPa, at least 150 MPa, at least 155 MPa, at least 160 MPa, at least 165 MPa, at least 170 MPa, or any value therebetween.

[0173] In some embodiments, the aluminum alloys described herein may have an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of at least 110 MPa. In non-limiting examples, the yield strength is at least 110 MPa, at least 120 MPa, at least 130 MPa, at least 140 MPa, at least 150 MPa, at least 160 MPa, at least 170 MPa, at least 180 MPa, at least 190 MPa, at least 200 MPa, or any value therebetween. In some cases, the yield strength is between 110 MPa and 240 MPa. For example, the yield strength may be between 115 MPa and 235 MPa, between 125 MPa and 230 MPa, between 130 MPa and 225 MPa, between 140 MPa and 220 MPa, or between 150 MPa and 240 MPa.

[0174] In some embodiments, the aluminum alloys described herein provided in the H temper may have a UTS of at least 140 MPa to 200 MPa. In non-limiting examples, the UTS of the alloy in the H temper is at least 140 MPa, at least 145 MPa, at least 150 MPa, at least 155 MPa, at least 160 MPa, at least 165 MPa, at least 170 MPa, at least 175 MPa, at least 180 MPa, at least 190 MPa, or any value therebetween.

[0175] In some embodiments, the aluminum alloys described herein have sufficient formability to meet an elongation of 2% or greater. In certain examples, the alloys described herein can have an elongation of 2% or greater, 2.25% or greater, 2.50% or greater, 2.75% or greater, 3% or greater, 3.25% or greater, 3.50% or greater, 3.75% or greater, 4% or greater, 4.25% or greater, 4.50% or greater, 4.75% or greater, 5.0% or greater, 5.25% or greater, 5.50% or greater, 5.75% or greater, 6.0% or greater, or any value therebetween.

[0176] In some embodiments, the aluminum alloys described herein may have an average electrical conductivity value greater than 40% (e.g., 40% IACS to 60% IACS) based on the International Annealed Copper Standard (IACS). For example, the alloys may have an average electrical conductivity value of 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, or any value therebetween. All values ​​are in % IACS.

[0177] In some embodiments, the aluminum alloys described herein may have corrosion resistance that provides a negative corrosion potential or electrochemical potential (Ecorr) of -740 mV to -820 mV when tested according to ASTM G69. In some cases, the open circuit corrosion potential value may be -740 mV to -820 mV (e.g., -745 mV to -785 mV or -755 mV to -790 mV) relative to a standard calomel electrode (SCE). In some cases, the open circuit corrosion potential value may be -740 mV, -750 mV, -760 mV, -770 mV, -780 mV, -790 mV, -800 mV, -810 mV, or -820 mV relative to SCE.

[0178] Preparation and processing methods

[0179] In some embodiments, the properties of the aluminum alloys described herein are at least partially determined by the method of producing the aluminum alloy. Without intending to limit the present disclosure, the aluminum alloy properties are determined in part by the formation of the microstructure during alloy preparation. In certain aspects, the method of preparing the alloy composition can influence or even determine whether the alloy will have sufficient properties for the desired application.

[0180] In some embodiments, the method of producing the aluminum alloy described herein can improve the thermal conductivity of the aluminum alloy. For example, the method can include homogenization or annealing practices that can promote the growth and coarsening of Mn-containing dispersions (e.g., α-phase particles). In addition, the homogenization or annealing practices can beneficially convert β-phase particles into α-phase particles having a higher Mn content than the β-phase particles. In this way, the homogenization or annealing practices can be optimized to maximize the thermal conductivity of the aluminum alloy by extracting Mn from solid solution.

[0181] Casting

[0182] The alloys described herein can be cast using casting methods known to those skilled in the art. For example, the casting process can include a continuous (CC) casting process to produce the cast aluminum alloy. The CC process can include, but is not limited to, using a twin-belt caster, a twin-roll caster, or a block caster. In some embodiments, the casting process is performed using a CC process to form a cast aluminum alloy in the form of a billet, a slab, a sheet, a strip, or the like. Optionally, the casting process can include a direct chill casting (DC) process.

[0183] The cast aluminum alloy may then be subjected to further processing steps. For example, the processing methods described herein may include the steps of homogenization / annealing, hot rolling, cold rolling and / or annealing.

[0184] Homogenization or annealing

[0185] After the casting step, a homogenization step or an annealing step may be performed. In some embodiments, the annealing step is used in a continuous casting process. For example, the cast aluminum alloy produced by the continuous casting process may be annealed without homogenization.

[0186] The homogenizing step may include heating the cast aluminum alloy to a peak metal temperature of at least 400° C., e.g., at least 410° C., at least 420° C., at least 430° C., at least 440° C., at least 450° C., at least 460° C., at least 470° C., at least 480° C., at least 490° C., at least 500° C., at least 510° C., at least 520° C., at least 530° C., at least 540° C., at least 450° C., at least 460° C., at least 470° C., at least 480° C., at least 490° C., or at least 500° C. For example, the cast aluminum alloy may be heated to a peak metal temperature of 400° C. to 600° C., e.g., 425° C. to 600° C., 450° C. to 600° C., 500° C. to 600° C., 500° C. to 580° C., or 500° C. to 575° C. In some cases, the heating rate to the peak metal temperature may be 10°C / hour or greater (e.g., 20°C / hour or greater, 30°C / hour or greater, 40°C / hour or greater, 50°C / hour or greater, 60°C / hour or greater, 70°C / hour or greater, 80°C / hour or greater, 90°C / hour or greater, or 100°C / hour or greater). In other cases, the heating rate to the peak metal temperature may be 10°C / hour to 250°C / hour (e.g., 20°C / hour to 250°C / hour, 40°C / hour to 225°C / hour, 60°C / hour to 220°C / hour, 80°C / hour to 200°C / hour, 100°C / hour to 200°C / hour, or 100°C / hour to 250°C / hour).

[0187] Then, the cast aluminum alloy is kept at a peak metal temperature range (i.e., maintained at a specified temperature) for a period of time. According to a non-limiting example, the cast aluminum alloy is kept at a peak metal temperature of up to 20 hours (e.g., 1 hour to 18 hours or 6 hours to 15 hours). For example, the cast aluminum alloy is kept at a peak metal temperature of 500°C to 600°C for 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours, 8 hours, 9 hours, 10 hours, 11 hours, 12 hours, 13 hours, 14 hours, 15 hours, 16 hours, 17 hours, 18 hours, 19 hours, or 20 hours. In some embodiments, the cast aluminum alloy is heated to a peak metal temperature of 500°C to 600°C at a heating rate of at least 10°C / hour and kept at the peak metal temperature for 6 hours to 15 hours.

[0188] In some embodiments, the homogenization described herein may be implemented in a two-stage process. In such embodiments, the two-stage process may include the above-mentioned heating and holding steps, which may be referred to as the first stage, and may further include a second stage. In the second stage, the temperature of the cast aluminum alloy is raised to a temperature higher than the temperature used for the first stage. For example, the temperature used for the second stage may be raised to a temperature that is, for example, at least 5°C higher than the peak metal temperature during the first stage. For example, the peak metal temperature may be raised to a temperature of at least 455°C (e.g., at least 460°C, at least 465°C, or at least 470°C). The heating rate to the second stage temperature may be 5°C / hour or less, 3°C / hour or less, or 2.5°C / hour or less. The cast aluminum alloy is then allowed to hold for a period of time during the second stage. In some embodiments, the cast aluminum alloy is held for up to 10 hours (e.g., 30 minutes to 10 hours, inclusive). For example, the cast aluminum alloy may be held for 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours, 8 hours, 9 hours, or 10 hours in the second stage. In some embodiments, after homogenization, the aluminum alloy cast product is allowed to cool to room temperature.

[0189] In some embodiments, after the casting step, an annealing step may be performed. The annealing step may include heating the cast aluminum alloy to an annealing temperature of at least 300°C (e.g., at least 310°C, at least 320°C, at least 330°C, at least 340°C, at least 350°C, at least 360°C, at least 370°C, at least 380°C, at least 390°C, at least 400°C, at least 410°C, at least 420°C, at least 430°C, at least 440°C, or at least 450°C). For example, the cast aluminum alloy may be heated to an annealing temperature of 300°C to 500°C (e.g., 325°C to 500°C, 350°C to 500°C, 300°C to 450°C, 350°C to 450°C, 300°C to 400°C, or 400°C to 500°C). In some cases, the heating rate to the annealing temperature can be 10°C / hour or greater (e.g., 20°C / hour or greater, 30°C / hour or greater, 40°C / hour or greater, 50°C / hour or greater, 60°C / hour or greater, or 70°C / hour or greater). In other cases, the heating rate to the annealing temperature can be 10°C / hour to 250°C / hour (e.g., 20°C / hour to 250°C / hour, 40°C / hour to 225°C / hour, 60°C / hour to 220°C / hour, 80°C / hour to 200°C / hour, 100°C / hour to 200°C / hour, or 100°C / hour to 250°C / hour).

[0190] Then, the cast aluminum alloy is kept at an annealing temperature range (i.e., maintained at a specified temperature) for a period of time. According to a non-limiting example, the cast aluminum alloy is kept at a temperature of up to 10 hours (e.g., 30 minutes to 9 hours or 3 hours to 6 hours). For example, the cast aluminum alloy can be kept at an annealing temperature of 300°C to 500°C for 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours, 8 hours, 9 hours, 10 hours, or any value therebetween. In some embodiments, the cast aluminum alloy is heated to an annealing temperature of 300°C to 500°C at a heating rate of at least 10°C / hour and kept at the annealing temperature for 6 hours to 15 hours.

[0191] The homogenization or annealing steps described herein can promote the growth and coarsening of Mn-containing dispersions (e.g., α particles). Furthermore, the homogenization or annealing practices can beneficially convert β-phase particles into α-phase particles having a higher Mn content than the β-phase particles. In this way, the homogenization or annealing steps can be optimized to maximize the thermal conductivity of the aluminum alloy by extracting Mn from solid solution.

[0192] Hot Rolling

[0193] After the homogenization step or the annealing step, a hot rolling step may be performed to produce a hot rolled product. The cast aluminum alloy may be hot rolled at a temperature of 450°C to 560°C (e.g., 460°C to 550°C, 470°C to 540°C, 480°C to 530°C, or 490°C to 520°C) to produce a hot rolled product. In some examples, the hot rolling temperature is 450°C, 460°C, 470°C, 480°C, 490°C, 500°C, 510°C, 520°C, 530°C, 540°C, 550°C, or 560°C. If the hot rolling temperature is too cold (e.g., less than 450°C), the hot rolling load is too high and may be prone to cracking. If the hot rolling temperature is too hot (e.g., greater than 560°C), the aluminum alloy may be too soft and crack in the hot rolling mill.

[0194] In some cases, the cast aluminum alloy can be hot rolled to a thickness gauge of 2 mm to 15 mm (e.g., a thickness gauge of 2.5 mm to 12 mm). For example, the cast aluminum alloy can be hot rolled to a thickness gauge of 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, or 15 mm. In some cases, the cast aluminum alloy can be hot rolled to a gauge greater than 15 mm (i.e., plate). In other cases, the cast aluminum alloy can be hot rolled to a gauge less than 4 mm (i.e., sheet).

[0195] Cold Rolling

[0196] After the hot rolling step, a cold rolling step may be performed. The cold rolling step may include one or more cold rolling passes. In certain embodiments, the hot rolled product (e.g., plate, thin plate, or sheet) from the hot rolling step may be cold rolled into a thin gauge thin plate or sheet. In some embodiments, the thin gauge thin plate or sheet is cold rolled to have a thickness (i.e., a first thickness) in the range of 1.0 mm to 10.0 mm, or 2.0 mm to 8.0 mm, or 3.0 mm to 6.0 mm, or 4.0 mm to 5.0 mm. In some embodiments, the thin gauge sheet or sheet is cold rolled to have a thickness of 12.0 mm, 11.9 mm, 11.8 mm, 11.7 mm, 11.6 mm, 11.5 mm, 11.4 mm, 11.3 mm, 11.2 mm, 11.1 mm, 11.0 mm, 10.9 mm, 10.8 mm, 10.7 mm, 10.6 mm, 10.5 mm, 10.4 mm, 10.3 mm, 10.2 mm, 10.1 mm, 10.0 mm, 9.9 mm, 9.8 mm, 9.7 mm, 9.9 ... .6mm, 9.5mm, 9.4mm, 9.3mm, 9.2mm, 9.1mm, 9.0mm, 8.9mm, 8.8mm, 8.7mm, 8.6mm, 8.5mm, 8.4mm, 8.3mm, 8.2mm, 8.1mm, 8 .0mm, 7.9mm, 7.8mm, 7.7mm, 7.6mm, 7.5mm, 7.4mm, 7.3mm, 7.2mm, 7.1mm, 7.0mm, 6.9mm, 6.8mm, 6.7mm, 6.6mm, 6.5mm, 6. 4mm, 6.3mm, 6.2mm, 6.1mm, 6.0mm, 5.9mm, 5.8mm, 5.7mm, 5.6mm, 5.5mm, 5.4mm, 5.3mm, 5.2mm, 5.1mm, 5.0mm, 4.9mm, 4. 8mm, 4.7mm, 4.6mm, 4.5mm, 4.4mm, 4.3mm, 4.2mm, 4.1mm, 4.0mm, 3.9mm, 3.8mm, 3.7mm, 3.6mm, 3.5mm, 3.4mm, 3.3mm, 3. 2mm, 3.1mm, 3.0mm, 2.9mm, 2.8mm, 2.7mm, 2.6mm, 2.5mm, 2.4mm, 2.3mm, 2.2mm, 2.1mm, 2.0mm, 1.9mm, 1.8mm, 1.7mm, 1. 6mm, 1.5mm, 1.4mm, 1.3mm, 1.2mm, 1.1mm, 1.0mm, 0.9mm, 0.8mm, 0.7mm, 0.6mm, 0.5mm, 0.4mm, 0.3mm, 0.2mm or 0.1mm thickness.

[0197] In some embodiments, the one or more cold rolling passes reduce the thickness of the hot rolled product by at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, or at least 70%. In some embodiments, the one or more cold rolling passes reduce the hot rolled product to a thickness (i.e., a first thickness) of no more than 10 mm, no more than 9 mm, no more than 8 mm, no more than 7 mm, no more than 6 mm, or no more than 5 mm.

[0198] In some examples, the cold rolling step is a two-stage cold rolling step. The two-stage cold rolling step may include a first cold rolling step, an optional intermediate annealing step therebetween, and a second cold rolling step. Optionally, the method may further include annealing the rolled product after the second cold rolling step.

[0199] Optional intermediate annealing

[0200] In some non-limiting examples, an optional intermediate annealing step may be performed during the two-stage cold rolling step. For example, the hot rolled product may be cold rolled into an aluminum alloy product of intermediate specifications (a first cold rolling step), annealed, and subsequently cold rolled into an aluminum alloy product of final specifications (a second cold rolling step). In some aspects, an optional intermediate annealing may be performed in a batch process (i.e., a batch intermediate annealing step) or in a continuous process. The intermediate annealing step may be performed at a temperature of 250°C to 450°C (e.g., 250°C, 260°C, 270°C, 280°C, 290°C, 300°C, 310°C, 320°C, 330°C, 340°C, 350°C, 360°C, 370°C, 380°C, 390°C, 400°C, 410°C, 420°C, 430°C, 440°C, or 450°C).

[0201] In some cases, the heating rate in the intermediate annealing step may be 100° C. / hour or less, 75° C. / hour or less, 50° C. / hour or less, 40° C. / hour or less, 30° C. / hour or less, 25° C. / hour or less, 20° C. / hour or less, or 15° C. / hour or less. In other cases, the heating rate may be 10° C. / hour to 100° C. / hour (e.g., 10° C. / hour to 90° C. / hour, 10° C. / hour to 70° C. / hour, 10° C. / hour to 60° C. / hour, 20° C. / hour to 90° C. / hour, 30° C. / hour to 80° C. / hour, 40° C. / hour to 70° C. / hour, or 50° C. / hour to 60° C. / hour).

[0202] In some embodiments, the cold rolled product is held at temperature for a period of time during the intermediate annealing step. In some instances, the cold rolled product is held at temperature for up to 5 hours (e.g., 30 minutes to 4 hours, 45 minutes to 3 hours, or 1 hour to 2 hours, inclusive). For example, the cold rolled product may be held at a temperature of 250° C. to 450° C. for 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 1 hour, 1.5 hours, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, or any value therebetween. In some instances, the cold rolled product may be held at a temperature of 400° C. for 4 hours.

[0203] Aluminum alloy microstructure

[0204] When produced according to the methods described herein, the aluminum alloys described herein include dispersions that result in improved mechanical properties. For example, the aluminum alloys described herein include higher amounts of Si and Fe compared to AA3105 aluminum alloy to produce a larger amount of Mn-containing dispersion. As discussed herein, Mn in solid solution has the greatest negative impact on thermal conductivity. The aluminum alloy composition, in combination with the methods of producing the aluminum alloys, promotes the formation of alpha-phase particles that reduce the amount of Mn in solid solution. In some embodiments, the amounts of Si and Fe in the aluminum alloys described herein result in a higher amount of alpha-phase particles (e.g., Al2O3) compared to AA3105 aluminum alloy. 12 (Fe, Mn)3Si)). In addition, the homogenization or annealing practices described herein promote the growth and coarsening of Mn-containing dispersions (e.g., α-phase particles) and transform β-phase particles into α-phase particles having a higher Mn content than the β-phase particles. In this way, the homogenization or annealing practices can be optimized to maximize the thermal conductivity of the aluminum alloy by removing Mn from the solid solution.

[0205] In some embodiments, the aluminum alloys described herein include greater than 5% alpha-phase particles (e.g., greater than 6%, greater than 7%, greater than 8%, greater than 9%, greater than 10%, greater than 11%, greater than 12%, greater than 13%, greater than 14%, or greater than 15%) compared to AA3105 aluminum alloy when produced according to the methods described herein. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloys described herein include 5% to 30% more alpha-phase particles (e.g., 6% to 28%, 8% to 26%, 10% to 25%, 12% to 25%, 15% to 25%, or 10% to 20%) compared to AA3105 aluminum alloy when produced according to the methods described herein.

[0206] In some embodiments, the aluminum alloys described herein include 20% less beta phase particles (e.g., less than 18%, less than 16%, less than 15%, less than 14%, less than 12%, or less than 10%) compared to AA3105 aluminum alloy when produced according to the methods described herein. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloys described herein include 2% to 30% less beta phase particles (e.g., 2% to 28%, 4% to 26%, 5% to 25%, 8% to 22%, 8% to 15%, or 10% to 15%) compared to AA3105 aluminum alloy when produced according to the methods described herein.

[0207] How to use

[0208] The aluminum alloys and methods described herein can be used in industrial applications, including sacrificial components, heat dissipation, packaging, and building materials. The aluminum alloys described herein can be used in various applications, for example, for manufacturing fins for heat exchangers. In one example, the improved aluminum alloys described herein can be used in high-performance, lightweight automotive heat exchangers. More generally, the aluminum alloys described herein can be used in automotive heat exchangers, such as radiators, condensers, and evaporators. As discussed above, the compositions and processes used to produce the improved aluminum alloys described herein result in a material having a combination of beneficial features and properties that makes the material suitable for manufacturing heat exchanger fins. However, the uses and applications of the improved aluminum alloys described herein are not limited to automotive heat exchangers, and other uses are envisioned. It will be understood that the characteristics and properties of the aluminum alloys described herein can also be beneficial for uses and applications other than manufacturing automotive heat exchanger fins. For example, the improved aluminum alloys described herein can be used to manufacture various devices that utilize heat exchangers and are produced by connecting components, such as those used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC).

[0209] Aluminum alloy disclosed herein is a suitable substitute for the metal traditionally used for indoor and outdoor HVAC units. As used herein, the meaning of "indoor" refers to a location within any structure with controlled environmental conditions that is contained in humans. As used herein, the meaning of "outdoor" refers to a location that is not completely contained in any structure that is produced by humans and is exposed to geological and meteorological environmental conditions, and the environmental conditions include air, solar radiation, wind, rain, sleet, snow, freezing rain, ice, hail, sandstorms, humidity, drought, smoke (such as tobacco smoke, house fire smoke, industrial incinerator smoke and wildfire smoke), smog, fossil fuel exhaust, biofuel exhaust, salt (such as high salt content air in the vicinity of a body of salt water), radiation electromagnetic waves, corrosive gases, corrosive liquids, galvanic metals, galvanic alloys, corrosive solids, plasma, fire, electrostatic discharge (such as lightning), biological materials (such as animal waste, saliva, excretion oil, vegetation), wind-blown particulate matter, air pressure changes and diurnal temperature changes. The aluminum alloy described herein provides better corrosion performance and higher strength than the alloy currently adopted.

[0210] In some embodiments, the aluminum alloys described herein can be used in busbars, such as conductive busbars. As used herein, "busbar" generally refers to a metal bar or strip used to carry electrical current, such as for power distribution. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloys described herein can be used to create transformers or components of transformers. The high electrical conductivity of aluminum alloys makes these alloys particularly suitable for creating busbars and transformers.

[0211] Example

[0212] Example 1: An aluminum alloy comprising 0.10–1.30 wt.% Si, 0.10–1.00 wt.% Fe, up to 0.30 wt.% Cu, 0.01–0.80 wt.% Mn, 0.20–0.80 wt.% Mg, 0.50–3.50 wt.% Zn, up to 0.20 wt.% Cr, up to 0.20 wt.% Ti, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and the balance Al.

[0213] Example 2: An example of any of the preceding or following examples, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises 0.20–1.20 wt.% Si, 0.20–0.90 wt.% Fe, 0.01–0.30 wt.% Cu, 0.05–0.70 wt.% Mn, 0.20–0.80 wt.% Mg, 0.50–3.25 wt.% Zn, up to 0.20 wt.% Cr, up to 0.20 wt.% Ti, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and the balance Al.

[0214] Example 3: An example of any of the preceding or following examples, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises 0.30–1.10 wt.% Si, 0.30–0.90 wt.% Fe, 0.01–0.25 wt.% Cu, 0.10–0.70 wt.% Mn, 0.20–0.80 wt.% Mg, 0.60–3.00 wt.% Zn, up to 0.15 wt.% Cr, up to 0.15 wt.% Ti, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and the balance Al.

[0215] Example 4: An example of any of the preceding or following examples, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises 0.50–1.00 wt.% Si, 0.40–0.90 wt.% Fe, 0.01–0.30 wt.% Cu, 0.20–0.80 wt.% Mn, 0.20–0.80 wt.% Mg, 0.70–2.75 wt.% Zn, up to 0.10 wt.% Cr, up to 0.10 wt.% Ti, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and the balance Al.

[0216] Example 5: An example of any of the preceding or following examples, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises 0.60–1.00 wt.% Si, 0.70–1.00 wt.% Fe, 0.01–0.30 wt.% Cu, 0.30–0.70 wt.% Mn, 0.30–0.80 wt.% Mg, 1.00–2.50 wt.% Zn, up to 0.05 wt.% Cr, up to 0.05 wt.% Ti, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and the balance Al.

[0217] Example 6: Any of the preceding or following examples, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises a combined content of Si and Fe of 0.50 wt. % to 2.30 wt. %.

[0218] Example 7: The example of any preceding or following example, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises a (Si+Fe):Mn ratio of at least 0.90:1.

[0219] Example 8: The example of any preceding or following example, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises a combined content of Si and Fe of at least 1.30 wt. %, and wherein the aluminum alloy comprises a (Si+Fe):Mn ratio of at least 2:1.

[0220] Example 9: The example of any preceding or following example, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises 10% more alpha phase particles than the AA3105 aluminum alloy.

[0221] Example 10: An example of any preceding or following example, wherein the aluminum alloy is a 3xxx series aluminum alloy.

[0222] Example 11: Any of the preceding or following examples, wherein the aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength of at least 110 MPa.

[0223] Example 12: Any of the preceding or following examples, wherein the aluminum alloy has a yield strength of at least 50 MPa.

[0224] Example 13: Any of the preceding or following examples, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises an electrical conductivity of 40% to 60% based on the International Annealed Copper Standard (IACS).

[0225] Example 14: The example of any preceding or following example, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises a corrosion potential of -740 mV to -820 mV.

[0226] Example 15: A fin blank comprising any of the aluminum alloys described above or below.

[0227] Example 16: An aluminum alloy product comprising a tube and a fin, wherein the fin comprises the aluminum alloy of any preceding or following example.

[0228] Example 17: A method for producing an aluminum alloy product, the method comprising: casting an aluminum alloy to form a cast aluminum alloy, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises 0.10–1.30 wt.% Si, 0.10–1.00 wt.% Fe, up to 0.30 wt.% Cu, 0.01–0.80 wt.% Mn, 0.20–0.80 wt.% Mg, 0.50–3.50 wt.% Zn, up to 0.20 wt.% Cr, up to 0.20 wt.% Ti, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities and a balance of Al; homogenizing or annealing the cast aluminum alloy; hot rolling the cast aluminum alloy to produce a hot rolled product; and cold rolling the hot rolled product to produce an aluminum alloy product.

[0229] Example 18: An example of any of the preceding or following examples, wherein the homogenizing comprises heating the cast aluminum alloy to a homogenizing temperature of 400°C to 600°C at a heating rate of at least 10°C / h, and holding the cast aluminum alloy at the homogenizing temperature for a time period of 5 hours to 15 hours; and wherein the annealing step comprises heating the cast aluminum alloy to an annealing temperature of 300°C to 500°C at a heating rate of at least 10°C / h, and holding the cast aluminum alloy at the annealing temperature for a time period of 1 hour to 8 hours.

[0230] Example 19: An example of any preceding or following example, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises a (Si+Fe):Mn ratio of at least 2:1, and wherein the aluminum alloy product has an ultimate tensile strength of at least 110 MPa, a yield strength of at least 50 MPa, and an electrical conductivity of 40% to 60% based on the International Annealed Copper Standard (IACS).

[0231] Example 20: A fin blank prepared by the method of any preceding or following example claim.

[0232] Example 1

[0233] Figure 2 A thermodynamic calculation chart shows the mass fraction of α-phase particles in an aluminum alloy at different temperatures as a function of the amount of Si and Fe in the aluminum alloy. Thermodynamic calculations were performed on an aluminum alloy including 1.25 wt.% Mn. Thermodynamic calculations show that increasing Si and Fe does not linearly increase the amount of α-phase particles. For example, in some cases, aluminum alloys including a higher Fe content reduce the amount of α-phase particles. Specifically, curve 1 represents an aluminum alloy including 0.70 wt.% Fe and 0.80 wt.% Si, curve 2 represents an aluminum alloy including 2.0 wt.% Fe and 0.80 wt.% Si, and curve 3 represents an aluminum alloy including 0.70 wt.% Fe and 0.40 wt.% Si. Although a higher amount of Si increases the amount of α-phase particles formed in each aluminum alloy, the amount of Fe does not directly lead to an increase in α-phase particle formation. In particular, the aluminum alloys represented by curves 1 and 2 include the same amount of Si, but the aluminum alloy represented by curve 2 has a significantly higher Fe content. Despite having a higher amount of Fe, the aluminum alloy represented by curve 2 has less α-phase particle formation than the aluminum alloy represented by curve 1. Therefore, a balance of Si and Fe is required to produce an optimal amount of α-phase particles to pull Mg out of solid solution to achieve good electrical conductivity. It was surprisingly discovered that the amounts of Fe and Si in the aluminum alloy composition can be optimized to maximize the formation of α-phase particles to achieve improved electrical conductivity characteristics.

[0234] Sample aluminum alloys were tested to determine the effect of the aluminum alloy on the electrical conductivity of the aluminum alloy. Sample alloys 1-29 were prepared from various aluminum alloy compositions to demonstrate the effect of the aluminum alloy composition on electrical conductivity. Comparative Example 1 was prepared from AA3105 aluminum alloy in H28 temper, Comparative Example 2 was prepared from AA3105 aluminum alloy in H19 temper, Comparative Example 3 was prepared from continuously cast AA3105 aluminum alloy, and Comparative Example 4 was prepared from AA7072 aluminum alloy. Comparative Example 4 is a baseline for aluminum alloys with good thermal conductivity properties. The aluminum alloys described herein are modified 3xxx series aluminum alloys that achieve electrical conductivity properties similar to AA7072 aluminum alloys; however, due to their composition, they can include higher amounts of recycled materials, thus providing a cost-effective and recycling-friendly alternative to AA7072 aluminum alloys. Sample alloys 1-29 and Comparative 1-4 were laboratory cast. The compositions of the aluminum alloys are provided below in Table 17.

[0235]

[0236]

[0237]

[0238] Figure 3 The electrical conductivity (% IACS) of the sample aluminum alloys is shown, as measured by STM E1004 (2022). Comparative alloys 1-3 each exhibit a conductivity of less than 40% IACS, while sample alloys 6, 10, 1, 21, 19, 26, 27, 22, 29, 17, 20, 24, 11, 14, 28, 9, 15, and 13 each exhibit a conductivity greater than 45% IACS. For example, some sample aluminum alloys exhibit greater than 50% improvement in electrical conductivity compared to Comparative Examples 1-3. This data demonstrates that altering the composition of 3xxx series aluminum alloys (e.g., AA3105 aluminum alloy) can significantly improve electrical conductivity properties.

[0239] Figures 4A-4C A graph showing the effect of Si and Fe on the electrical conductivity (% IACS) of sample aluminum alloys, as measured by ASTM E1004 (2022). Specifically, Figure 4A shows the effect of Si and Fe content on the electrical conductivity characteristics of an aluminum alloy including 0.55 wt.% Mn, Figure 4B To show the effect of Si and Fe content on the electrical conductivity characteristics of an aluminum alloy including 0.65 wt. % Mn, and Figure 4C The effects of Si and Fe content on the electrical conductivity properties of an aluminum alloy containing 0.75 wt.% Mn are shown. The data demonstrate that increasing Si and Fe does not increase the amount of α-phase particles—in some cases, higher Fe reduces the amount of α-phase particles. Therefore, a balance of Si and Fe is required to produce the optimal amount of α-phase particles to pull Mg out of solid solution and achieve good electrical conductivity.

[0240] Example 2

[0241] Sample aluminum alloys were tested to determine the effect of heat treatment on the electrical conductivity of 3xxx series aluminum alloys. AA3105 aluminum alloy hot strip was provided. The AA3105 aluminum alloy hot strip had an exit temperature of less than 300°C from hot rolling. The AA3105 aluminum alloy hot strip was subjected to one of the following: Process 1: cold rolling followed by annealing at a temperature of 300°C to 475°C for 2 to 24 hours; or Process 2: annealing at a temperature of 300°C to 450°C for 2 to 24 hours.

[0242] Figure 5A and 5BThis graph shows the electrical conductivity (% IACS) of AA3105 aluminum alloy hot strip produced by Processes 1 and 2 at various annealing temperatures for different time periods, as measured by ASTM E1004 (2022). The dashed line represents the AA3105 aluminum alloy hot strip subjected to Process 1 (cold rolling and annealing), while the solid line represents the AA3105 aluminum alloy hot strip subjected to Process 2 (annealing). After 24 hours, the electrical conductivity of the unheat-treated AA3105 aluminum alloy hot strip (not plotted) was 37% IACS. Figure 5A and 5B Annealing after hot or cold rolling improves electrical conductivity relative to unheat-treated AA3105 aluminum alloy hot strip. For example, when heated at an annealing temperature of 300°C or greater for two hours, AA3105 aluminum alloy hot strips subjected to Process 1 or Process 2 each exhibited electrical conductivity greater than 39% IACS. Thus, the electrical conductivity of AA3105 aluminum alloy hot strips significantly improves after annealing. Furthermore, cold rolling followed by annealing also improves electrical conductivity within certain annealing temperature ranges. Therefore, this data demonstrates that heat treating AA3105 aluminum alloy hot strips increases the amount of α-phase particles and improves electrical conductivity.

[0243] Figure 6 A graph showing the electrical conductivity of the sample aluminum alloys in Table 17 after heat treatment. The sample aluminum alloys were annealed at 375°C for four hours. Each sample aluminum alloy exhibited some improvement in electrical conductivity after heat treatment. In particular, heat treatment of sample alloys 8, 9, 16, 19, 20, and 28 showed synergistic improvements in electrical conductivity. It is expected that the aluminum alloy composition and heat treatment work together to synergistically increase the amount of alpha-phase particles and improve electrical conductivity.

[0244] Example 3

[0245] Samples of 3xxx series aluminum alloys were tested to determine the effect of Zn on the Galvani corrosion potential. The compositions of the aluminum alloys are provided below in Table 18.

[0246]

[0247] Figure 7 The measured potential difference (ΔE) of alloy 30-33 according to ASTM G71 (2023) OC (mV)) as a function of Zn content. Figure 7 As shown in , the measured potential difference of the 3xxx series aluminum alloys increases as a function of the Zn content in the alloy. For example, at Zn concentrations greater than 1.50 wt.%, the 3xxx series aluminum alloys have a potential difference of about 100 mV, which is comparable to the benchmark AA7072 aluminum alloy.

[0248] All patents, publications, and abstracts cited above are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Various embodiments of the present invention have been described to meet the various objectives of the present invention. It should be recognized that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Various modifications and adaptations thereof will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An aluminum alloy comprising 0.40–1.30 wt.% Si, 0.50–2.50 wt.% Fe, 0.10–0.40 wt.% Cu, up to 1.00 wt.% Mn, 0.40–0.80 wt.% Mg, up to 3.50 wt. % Zn, up to 0.20 wt. % Cr, up to 0.20 wt. % Ti, up to 0.15 wt. % impurities and the balance Al.

2. The aluminum alloy of claim 1 , comprising 0.40–1.30 wt.% Si, 0.50–2.00 wt.% Fe, 0.10–2.00 wt.% Cu, up to 1.00 wt.% Mn, 0.40–0.80 wt.% Mg, 0.50–3.50 wt.% Zn, up to 0.20 wt.% Cr, up to 0.20 wt.% Ti, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and the balance Al.

3. The aluminum alloy of claim 1 , comprising 0.50–1.20 wt.% Si, 0.60–1.80 wt.% Fe, 0.10–0.30 wt.% Cu, up to 0.90 wt.% Mn, 0.40–0.80 wt.% Mg, up to 3.25 wt.% Zn, up to 0.15 wt.% Cr, up to 0.15 wt.% Ti, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and the balance Al.

4. The aluminum alloy of claim 1 , comprising 0.60–1.10 wt.% Si, 0.70–1.50 wt.% Fe, 0.10–0.30 wt.% Cu, up to 0.90 wt.% Mn, 0.50–0.80 wt.% Mg, up to 3.00 wt.% Zn, up to 0.10 wt.% Cr, up to 0.10 wt.% Ti, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and the balance Al.

5. The aluminum alloy of claim 1, comprising 0.70-1.10 wt.% Si, 0.90-1.40 wt.% Fe, 0.15-0.25 wt.% Cu, up to 0.80 wt.% Mn, 0.50-0.70 wt.% Mg, up to 2.75 wt.% Zn, up to 0.05 wt.% Cr, up to 0.05 wt.% Ti, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and the balance Al.

6. The aluminum alloy of claim 1, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises a combined content of Si, Cu, and Fe of 1.00 wt. % to 4.20 wt. %.

7. The aluminum alloy of claim 1, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises a (Si+Fe):Mn ratio of at least 1.5:

1.

8. The aluminum alloy of claim 1, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises a combined content of Si and Fe of at least 1.50 wt.%, and wherein the aluminum alloy comprises a (Si+Fe):Mn ratio of at least 2.0:

1.

9. The aluminum alloy of claim 1, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises a minimum amount of 1.50 wt. % Zn.

10. The aluminum alloy of claim 1, wherein the aluminum alloy is a 3xxx series aluminum alloy.

11. The aluminum alloy of claim 1, wherein the aluminum alloy has an ultimate tensile strength of at least 110 MPa.

12. The aluminum alloy of claim 1, wherein the aluminum alloy has a yield strength of at least 50 MPa.

13. The aluminum alloy of claim 1, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises an electrical conductivity of 40% to 60% based on the International Annealed Copper Standard (IACS).

14. The aluminum alloy of claim 1, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises a corrosion potential of -740 mV to -820 mV.

15. A fin blank comprising the aluminum alloy according to claim 1.

16. An aluminum alloy product comprising a tube and a fin, wherein the fin comprises the fin blank according to claim 15.

17. A method for producing an aluminum alloy product, comprising: Casting an aluminum alloy to form a cast aluminum alloy, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises 0.40-1.30 wt.% Si, 0.50-2.50 wt.% Fe, 0.10-0.40 wt.% Cu, up to 1.00 wt.% Mn, 0.40-0.80 wt.% Mg, up to 3.50 wt.% Zn, up to 0.20 wt.% Cr, up to 0.20 wt.% Ti, up to 0.15 wt.% impurities, and the balance Al; homogenizing or annealing the cast aluminum alloy; hot rolling the cast aluminum alloy to produce a hot rolled product; and The hot rolled product is cold rolled to produce an aluminum alloy product.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the homogenizing comprises heating the cast aluminum alloy to a homogenizing temperature of 400° C. to 600° C. at a heating rate of at least 10° C. / h, and holding the cast aluminum alloy at the homogenizing temperature for a period of 5 hours to 15 hours; and wherein the annealing step comprises heating the cast aluminum alloy to an annealing temperature of 300° C. to 500° C. at a heating rate of at least 10° C. / h, and holding the cast aluminum alloy at the annealing temperature for a period of 1 hour to 8 hours.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises a (Si+Fe):Mn ratio of at least 2:1, and wherein the aluminum alloy product has an ultimate tensile strength of at least 110 MPa, a yield strength of at least 50 MPa, and an electrical conductivity of 40% to 60% based on the International Annealed Copper Standard (IACS).

20. A fin blank prepared by the method according to claim 17.

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