High-strength and low quench sensitive 7xxx series aluminum alloys and methods of making the same

Abstract

To provide aluminum alloy products and methods for making aluminum alloy products having improved intergranular stress corrosion cracking resistance.SOLUTION: Described are methods of making an aluminum alloy product. A method includes heating a rolled aluminum alloy product to a first temperature of 400°C to 525°C. The rolled aluminum alloy product may include a 7XXX series aluminum alloy. The method also includes maintaining the rolled aluminum alloy product at the first temperature or within 10°C of the first temperature for a time duration of 15 seconds to 30 minutes. The method also includes quenching the rolled aluminum alloy product at a quench rate of 0.5°C / s to 125°C / s thereby generating a heat-treated aluminum alloy product. The heat-treated aluminum alloy product exhibits a strain ratio of 0.3 to 0.8. The strain ratio is measured according to an ASTM G129 and / or ASTM G139 standard test method.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

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