Corrosion resistant 3xxx aluminum alloys and methods of making the same

Abstract

Disclosed are corrosion-resistant aluminum alloys and methods of making and processing such alloys. More particularly, disclosed is a 3XXX series aluminum alloy with improved corrosion resistance. An exemplary method includes homogenizing, rolling, and optionally annealing the aluminum alloy to produce an aluminum alloy sheet product having a gauge of about 0.1 mm to about 4.0 mm and having an H1x-temper, an H2x-temper, or an H3x-temper. Optionally, said 3XXX aluminum alloy sheet products may be coated. The aluminum alloy sheet product may be useful in producing truck trailers or parts thereof with reduced susceptibility to corrosion.

Description

CORROSION RESISTANT 3XXX ALUMINUM ALLOYSAND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAMECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 595,371, filed on November 2, 2023, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention is directed to 3XXX aluminum alloys exhibiting improved corrosion resistance and methods of making and processing the same. The invention further relates to trailer sheets containing said aluminum alloys.BACKGROUND

[0003] Truck trailers, like vehicles, have metal parts susceptible to corrosion. However, truck trailers are often used for hauling moisture-rich materials like mulch and manure. Further, truck trailers are often cared for less than passenger vehicles when it comes to cleaning, maintenance, and dry storage. Accordingly, truck trailers are often more susceptible to corrosion than vehicles. While coatings and other rust-proofing actions may be taken, said actions should be performed regularly to mitigate rust formation and rust spreading on truck trailers. Further, chipping and scrapping damage typically incurred by truck trailers can cause defects in the protective coating, making that portion of the truck trailer more susceptible to corrosion. Accordingly, it would be advantageous for the underlying material forming the truck trailer or parts thereof to have improved corrosion resistance.SUMMARY

[0004] Covered embodiments of the invention are defined by the claims, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various aspects of the invention and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation 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 drawings and each claim.

[0005] Provided herein are methods of preparing 3XXX series aluminum alloys, the aluminum alloys, and products comprising the alloys. In some examples, a method of producing an aluminum alloy sheet product comprises: casting an aluminum alloy to form an ingot; homogenizing the ingot to form a homogenized aluminum alloy cast product; hot rolling the homogenized aluminum alloy cast product to produce a rolled aluminum alloy product; cold rolling the rolled aluminum alloy product to produce the aluminum alloy sheet product having a gauge of 0.1 mm to 4.0 mm; and optionally, annealing the aluminum alloy sheet product. In some instances, the aluminum alloy sheet product after the cold rolling step or after the annealing step, if performed, has an Hlx-temper, an H2x-temper, or an H3x- temper.

[0006] The aluminum alloy of the foregoing method comprises up to 0.25 wt. % copper, up to 0.7 wt. % iron, 0.8 wt. % to 1.3 wt. % magnesium, 1.0 wt. % to 1.5 wt. % manganese, up to 0.3 wt. % silicon, up to 0.25 wt. % zinc, 0.10 wt. % to 0.20 wt. % chromium, up to 0.2 wt. % of impurities, and aluminum. In some instances, the aluminum alloy comprises 0.05 wt. % to 0.25 wt. % copper, 0.3 wt. % to 0.7 wt. % iron, 0.8 wt. % to 1.3 wt. % magnesium, 1.0 wt. % to 1.5 wt. % manganese, 0.1 wt. % to 0.3 wt. % silicon, 0.01 wt. % to 0.25 wt. % zinc, 0.11 wt. % to 0.20 wt. % chromium, up to 0.2 wt. % of impurities, and aluminum. In some instances, the aluminum alloy comprises 0.05 wt. % to 0.20 wt. % copper, 0.3 wt. % to 0.6 wt. % iron, 0.8 wt. % to 1.1 wt. % magnesium, 1.0 wt. % to 1.3 wt. % manganese, 0.15 wt. % to 0.3 wt. % silicon, 0.01 wt. % to 0.15 wt. % zinc, 0.12 wt. % to 0.15 wt. % chromium, up to 0.2 wt. % of impurities, and aluminum. In some instances, the aluminum alloy does not comprise scandium, titanium, vanadium, nickel, yttrium, zirconium, hafnium, thallium, gallium, tin, lead, bismuth, strontium, and calcium. In some instances, the aluminum alloy has a Mn / Cr weight ratio of 1 to 3. In some instances, the aluminum alloy has a Fe / Cr weight ratio of 2 to 5.

[0007] In some instances, the homogenizing step comprises heating the ingot to a temperature of 450 °C to 600 °C. In some instances, the hot rolling step is conducted at an entry temperature of 500 °C to 540 °C and an exit temperature of 250 °C to 380 °C. In some instances, the cold rolling step is conducted at an entry temperature of 25 °C to 100 °C and an exit temperature of 75 °C to 200 °C. In some instances, the annealing step is performed at a temperature that is between 200 °C and 400 °C and allowed to soak of 30 to 120 minutes. Further, in some instances, the method may further include a step of quenching the ingot after the homogenizing step and before the hot rolling step.

[0008] Further disclosed are methods of producing a coated aluminum alloy sheet product that comprise: casting an aluminum alloy to form an ingot; homogenizing the ingot to form a homogenized aluminum alloy cast product; hot rolling the homogenized aluminum alloy cast product to produce a rolled aluminum alloy product; cold rolling the rolled aluminum alloy product to produce the aluminum alloy sheet product having a gauge of 0.1 mm to 4.0 mm; annealing the aluminum alloy sheet product; and applying a coating to the aluminum alloy sheet product. In some instances, the aluminum alloy sheet product after the annealing step has an Hlx-temper, an H2x-temper, or an H3x-temper.

[0009] The aluminum alloy of the foregoing method comprises up to 0.25 wt. % copper, up to 0.7 wt. % iron, 0.8 wt. % to 1.3 wt. % magnesium, 1.0 wt. % to 1.5 wt. % manganese, up to 0.3 wt. % silicon, up to 0.25 wt. % zinc, 0.10 wt. % to 0.20 wt. % chromium, up to 0.2 wt. % of impurities, and aluminum. In some instances, the aluminum alloy comprises 0.05 wt. % to 0.25 wt. % copper, 0.3 wt. % to 0.7 wt. % iron, 0.8 wt. % to 1.3 wt. % magnesium, 1.0 wt. % to 1.5 wt. % manganese, 0.1 wt. % to 0.3 wt. % silicon, 0.01 wt. % to 0.25 wt. % zinc, 0.11 wt. % to 0.20 wt. % chromium, up to 0.2 wt. % of impurities, and aluminum. In some instances, the aluminum alloy comprises 0.05 wt. % to 0.20 wt. % copper, 0.3 wt. % to 0.6 wt. % iron, 0.8 wt. % to 1.1 wt. % magnesium, 1.0 wt. % to 1.3 wt. % manganese, 0.15 wt. % to 0.3 wt. % silicon, 0.01 wt. % to 0.15 wt. % zinc, 0.12 wt. % to 0.15 wt. % chromium, up to 0.2 wt. % of impurities, and aluminum. In some instances, the aluminum alloy does not comprise scandium, titanium, vanadium, nickel, yttrium, zirconium, hafnium, thallium, gallium, tin, lead, bismuth, strontium, and calcium. In some instances, the aluminum alloy has a Mn / Cr weight ratio of 1 to 3. In some instances, the aluminum alloy has a Fe / Cr weight ratio of 2 to 5.

[0010] Further disclosed are products (e.g., parts that form a truck trailer) comprising the aluminum alloy sheet product according to the methods provided herein. In some examples, an aluminum alloy sheet product comprises an aluminum alloy and having a gauge of 0.1 mm to 4.0 mm, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises: up to 0.25 wt. % copper, up to 0.7 wt. % iron, 0.8 wt. % to 1.3 wt. % magnesium, 1.0 wt. % to 1.5 wt. % manganese, up to 0.3 wt. % silicon, up to 0.25 wt. % zinc, 0.10 wt. % to 0.20 wt. % chromium, up to 0.2 wt. % of impurities, and aluminum. In some instances, the aluminum alloy sheet product has an Hlx- temper, an H2x -temper, or an H3x-temper. In some instances, the aluminum alloy comprises 0.05 wt. % to 0.25 wt. % copper, 0.3 wt. % to 0.7 wt. % iron, 0.8 wt. % to 1.3 wt. % magnesium, 1.0 wt. % to 1.5 wt. % manganese, 0.1 wt. % to 0.3 wt. % silicon, 0.01 wt. % to0.25 wt. % zinc, 0.11 wt. % to 0.20 wt. % chromium, up to 0.2 wt. % of impurities, and aluminum. In some instances, the aluminum alloy comprises 0.05 wt. % to 0.20 wt. % copper, 0.3 wt. % to 0.6 wt. % iron, 0.8 wt. % to 1.1 wt. % magnesium, 1.0 wt. % to 1.3 wt. % manganese, 0.15 wt. % to 0.3 wt. % silicon, 0.01 wt. % to 0.15 wt. % zinc, 0.12 wt. % to 0.15 wt. % chromium, up to 0.2 wt. % of impurities, and aluminum. In some instances, the aluminum alloy does not comprise scandium, titanium, vanadium, nickel, yttrium, zirconium, hafnium, thallium, gallium, tin, lead, bismuth, strontium, and calcium. In some instances, the aluminum alloy has a Mn / Cr weight ratio of 1 to 3. In some instances, the aluminum alloy has a Fe / Cr weight ratio of 2 to 5.

[0011] Further aspects, objects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon consideration of the detailed description and figures that follow.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0012] FIG. 1 is a nonlimiting example of a truck trailer that uses the aluminum alloy sheet product of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Described below are 3XXX series aluminum alloys. In certain aspects, the alloys may exhibit improved corrosion resistance. More specifically, the aluminum alloys may comprise up to 0.25 wt. % copper, up to 0.7 wt. % iron, 0.8 wt. % to 1.3 wt. % magnesium, 1.0 wt. % to 1.5 wt. % manganese, up to 0.3 wt. % silicon, up to 0.25 wt. % zinc, 0.10 wt. % to 0.20 wt. % chromium, up to 0.2 wt. % of impurities, and aluminum.

[0014] As described herein, truck trailers may be more susceptible to corrosion due to the nature of their use (e.g., hauling moisture-rich materials like mulch and manure) and typically less frequent cleaning and maintenance, as compared to vehicles. Advantageously, aluminum alloy sheet products described herein (coated or otherwise) may be used as material for forming various parts of a truck trailer like the bed or walls of a bed, which due to the improved corrosion resistance may increase the lifetime of said parts.Definitions and Descriptions

[0015] The terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention” and “the present invention” used herein are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent application and the claims below. Statements containing these terms should be understoodnot to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the patent claims below.

[0016] In this description, reference is made to alloys identified by aluminum industry designations, such as “series” or “3XXX.” For an understanding of the number designation system most commonly used in naming and identifying 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 Ingot,” both published by The Aluminum Association.

[0017] As used herein, the meaning of “a,” “an,” or “the” includes singular and plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0018] As used herein, a plate generally has a thickness of greater than about 15 mm. For example, a plate may refer to an aluminum alloy product having a thickness of 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.

[0019] As used herein, a shate (also referred to as a sheet plate) generally has a thickness of from about 4 mm to about 15 mm. For example, a shate may 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.

[0020] As used herein, a sheet generally refers to an aluminum alloy product having a thickness of less than about 4 mm. For example, a sheet may 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.

[0021] Reference is made in this application to alloy temper or condition. For an understanding of the alloy temper descriptions most commonly used, see “American National Standards (ANSI) H35 on Alloy and Temper Designation Systems.”

[0022] The following aluminum alloys are described in terms of their elemental composition in weight percentage (wt. %) based on the total weight of the alloy. In certain examples of each alloy, the remainder is aluminum, with a maximum wt. % of about 0.2 % for the sum of the impurities.

[0023] Incidental elements, such as grain refiners and deoxidizers, or other additives may be present in the invention and may add other characteristics on their own without departing from or significantly altering the alloy described herein or the characteristics of the alloy described herein.

[0024] As used herein, terms such as “cast metal product,” “cast product,” “cast aluminum alloy product,” and the like are interchangeable and refer to a product produced by direct chill casting (including direct chill co-casting) or semi -continuous casting, continuous casting (including, for example, by use of a twin belt caster, a twin roll caster, a block caster, or any other continuous caster), electromagnetic casting, hot top casting, or any other casting method.

[0025] As used herein, the meaning of “room temperature” can include a temperature of from about 15 °C to about 30 °C, for example about 15 °C, about 16 °C, about 17 °C, about 18 °C, about 19 °C, about 20 °C, about 21 °C, about 22 °C, about 23 °C, about 24 °C, about 25 °C, about 26 °C, about 27 °C, about 28 °C, about 29 °C, or about 30 °C. As used herein, the meaning of “ambient conditions” can include temperatures of about room temperature, relative humidity of from about 20% to about 100%, and barometric pressure of from about 975 millibar (mbar) to about 1050 mbar. For example, relative humidity can be about 20%, about 21%, about 22%, about 23%, about 24%, about 25%, about 26%, about 27%, about28%, about 29%, about 30%, about 31%, about 32%, about 33%, about 34%, about 35%, about 36%, about 37%, about 38%, about 39%, about 40%, about 41%, about 42%, about43%, about 44%, about 45%, about 46%, about 47%, about 48%, about 49%, about 50%, about 51%, about 52%, about 53%, about 54%, about 55%, about 56%, about 57%, about58%, about 59%, about 60%, about 61%, about 62%, about 63%, about 64%, about 65%, about 66%, about 67%, about 68%, about 69%, about 70%, about 71%, about 72%, about73%, about 74%, about 75%, about 76%, about 77%, about 78%, about 79%, about 80%, about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, about 100%, or anywhere in between. For example, barometric pressure can be about 975 mbar, about 980 mbar, about 985 mbar, about 990 mbar, about 995 mbar, about 1000 mbar, about 1005 mbar, about 1010 mbar, about 1015 mbar, about 1020 mbar, about 1025 mbar, about 1030 mbar, about 1035 mbar, about 1040 mbar, about 1045 mbar, about 1050 mbar, or anywhere in between.

[0026] All ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass any and all subranges subsumed therein. For example, a stated range of “1 to 10” should be considered to include any and all subranges between (and inclusive of) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more, e.g. 1 to 6.1, and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less, e.g., 5.5 to 10. Unless statedotherwise, the expression “up to” when referring to the compositional amount of an element means that element is optional and includes a zero percent composition of that particular element. Unless stated otherwise, all compositional percentages are in weight percent (wt.%).Alloy Compositions

[0027] Described below are 3XXX series aluminum alloys. In certain aspects, the alloys may exhibit improved corrosion resistance. The alloys can have the following elemental composition as provided in Table 1 :Table 1

[0028] In other examples, the alloys can have the following elemental composition as provided in Table 2.Table 2

[0029] In other examples, the alloys can have the following elemental composition as provided in Table 3.Table 3

[0030] In certain examples, the disclosed alloy includes copper (Cu) in an amount up to about 0.25 % (e.g., from 0.01 % to 0.25 %, from 0.05 % to 0.25 %, from 0.05 % to 0.20 %, or from 0.05 % to 0.15 %) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy can 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 %, or 0.25 % Cu. All expressed in wt. % based on the total weight of the aluminum alloy.

[0031] In certain examples, the disclosed alloy includes iron (Fe) in an amount of up to about 0.7 % (e.g., from 0.1 % to 0.7 %, from 0.3 % to 0.7 %, from 0.3 % to 0.6 %, from 0.4 % to 0.6 %, or from 0.4 % to 0.55 %) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy can 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 %,0.3 %, 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 %, or 0.70 % Fe. All expressed in wt. % based on the total weight of the aluminum alloy.

[0032] In certain examples, the disclosed alloy includes magnesium (Mg) in an amount from about 0.8 % to about 1.3 % (e.g., from 0.8 % to 1.2 %, from 0.8 % to 1.1 %, from 0.85% to 1.05 %, from 0.09 % to 1.00 %) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy can include 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 % Mg. All expressed in wt. % based on the total weight of the aluminum alloy.

[0033] In certain examples, the alloy can include manganese (Mn) in an amount from about 1.0 % to about 1.5 % (e.g., from 1.0 % to 1.3 % or from 1.1 % to 1.25 %) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy can include 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 %, or 1.50 % Mn. All expressed in wt. % based on the total weight of the aluminum alloy.

[0034] In certain examples, the disclosed alloy includes silicon (Si) in an amount up to about 0.3 % (e.g., from 0.01 % to 0.3 %, from 0.05 % to 0.3 %, from 0.1 % to 0.3 %, from0.15 % to 0.3 %, or from 0.15 % to 0.25 %) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy can 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 %, or 0.30% Si. All expressed in wt. % based on the total weight of the aluminum alloy.

[0035] In certain examples, the disclosed alloy includes zinc (Zn) in an amount up to about 0.25 % (e.g., from 0.01 % to 0.25 %, from 0.01 % to 0.2 %, from 0.01 % to 0.15 %, or from 0.05 % to 0.15 %) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy can 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 %, or 0.25 % Zn. All expressed in wt. % based on the total weight of the aluminum alloy.

[0036] In certain aspects, the alloy includes chromium (Cr) in an amount from about 0.1 % to about 0.2 % (e.g., from 0.11 % to 0.20 %, from 0.12 % to 0.20 %, from 0.13 % to 0.20 %, from 0.11 % to 0.17 %, from 0.12 % to 0.17 %, from 0.13 % to 0.17 %, from 0.11 % to 0.15 %, from 0.12 % to 0.15 %, or from 0.13 % to 0.15 %) based on the total weight of the alloy. For example, the alloy can include 0.100 %, 0.105 %, 0.110 %, 0.115 %, 0.120 %, 0.125 %, 0.130 %, 0.135 %, 0.140 %, 0.145 %, 0.150 %, 0.155 %, 0.160 %, 0.165 %, 0.170 %, 0.175 %, 0.180 %, 0.185 %, 0.190 %, 0.195 %, or 0.200 % Cr. All expressed in wt. % based on the total weight of the aluminum alloy.

[0037] In certain aspects, the alloy has a Mn / Cr weight ratio from about 1 (i.e., equal parts by weight Mn and Cr) to about 3 (i.e., 3 times more parts by weight Mn than Cr) (e.g., from 1 to 2.5, from 1 to 2, from 1.5 to 3, from 1.5 to 2.5, or from 2 to 3). For example, the Mn / Cr weight ratio may be 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, or 3.0.

[0038] In certain aspects, the alloy has a Fe / Cr weight ratio from about 2 to about 5 (e.g., from 2 to 4.5, from 2.5 to 4.5, from 2.5 to 4, from 2.5 to 3.5, from 3 to 5, from 3 to 4.5, from 3 to 4, from 3.5 to 5, from 3.5 to 4.5, or from 3.5 to 4). For example, the Fe / Cr weight ratio may be 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, or 5.0.

[0039] Optionally, the alloy can further include other minor elements, sometimes referred to as impurities, in amounts of about 0.05 % or below, 0.04 % or below, 0.03 % or below, 0.02 % or below, or 0.01 % or below of each of said impurities. These impurities may include, but are not limited to, scandium (Sc), titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), nickel (Ni), yttrium (Y), zirconium (Zr), hafnium (Hf), thallium (Th), gallium (Ga), tin (Sn), lead (Pb), bismuth (Bi), strontium (Sr), calcium (Ca), or combinations thereof. Accordingly, Sc, Ti, V, Ni, Y, Zr, Hf, Th, Ga, Sn, Pb, Bi, Sr, or Ca, if present, may each independently be present in an alloy in amounts of 0.05 % or below, 0.04 % or below, 0.03 % or below, 0.02 % or below, or 0.01 % or below. In certain aspects, the sum of all impurities does not exceed about 0.20 % (e.g., about 0.20 % or below, about 0.19 % or below, about 0.18 % or below, about 0.17 % or below, about 0.16 % or below, about 0.15 % or below, about 0.14 % or below, about 0.13 % or below, about 0.12 % or below, about 0.11 % or below, about 0.10 % or below, about 0.09 % or below, about 0.08 % or below, about 0.07 % or below, about 0.06 % or below, or about0.05 % or below). In certain aspect, the apply compositions may be devoid of (not comprise or comprise at 0.00 %) one or more of: Sc, Ti, V, Ni, Y, Zr, Hf, Th, Ga, Sn, Pb, Bi, Sr, and Ca. All expressed in wt. % based on the total weight of the aluminum alloy.

[0040] The remaining percentage of the aluminum alloy may be aluminum, e.g., balance Al.Methods of Preparing the Sheets

[0041] In certain aspects and embodiments, the aluminum alloy sheets disclosed above are products of methods disclosed herein. The aluminum alloy sheets are formed by processes that may include, among other steps, casting a molten aluminum alloy to form an aluminum alloy cast product, homogenizing the aluminum alloy cast product to form a homogenized aluminum alloy cast product, rolling the homogenized aluminum alloy product to form an aluminum alloy sheet, optionally annealing the aluminum alloy sheet, and optionally coating the aluminum alloy sheet to form a coated aluminum alloy sheet.Casting

[0042] The methods disclosed herein comprise a step of casting a molten aluminum alloy to form an aluminum alloy cast product. In some embodiments, the alloys are cast using a direct chill (DC) casting process to form an aluminum alloy ingot. The resulting ingots can then be scalped. The cast product can then be subjected to further processing steps.

[0043] In some other embodiments, the aluminum alloys are cast using a continuous casting (CC) process that may include, but is not limited to, the use of twin-belt casters, twinroll casters, or block casters. In some embodiments, the casting process is performed by a CC process to form a cast product in the form of a billet, a slab, a sheet, a shate, a strip, and the like.

[0044] In some embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments, the molten alloy may be treated before casting. The treatment can include one or more of degassing, inline fluxing, and filtering.

[0045] The cast product can then be subjected to further processing steps, as described in further detail below. In some embodiments, the processing steps can be used to prepare aluminum alloy sheets. The processing steps can be suitably applied to any cast product, including, but not limited to, ingots, billets, slabs, strips, and the like, using modifications and techniques as known to those of skill in the art.Homogenization

[0046] The homogenization step can include heating an aluminum alloy cast product prepared from an alloy composition described herein to attain a peak metal temperature (PMT) of at least about 450 °C (e.g., 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 550 °C, at least 560 °C, at least 570 °C, or at least 580 °C). For example, the cast product can be heated to a temperature of from 450 °C to 600 °C, from 500 °C to 590 °C, from 520 °C to 580 °C, from 530 °C to 575 °C, from 535 °C to 570 °C, from 540 °C to 565 °C, from 545 °C to 560 °C, from 530 °C to 560 °C, or from 550 °C to 580 °C, In some embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments, the heating rate to the PMT is 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 some other such embodiments, the heating rate to the PMT is from 10 °C / min to 100 °C / min (e.g., from 10 °C / min to 90 °C / min, from 10 °C / min to 70 °C / min, from 10 °C / min to 60 °C / min, from 20 °C / min to 90 °C / min, from 30 °C / min to 80 °C / min, from 40 °C / min to 70 °C / min, or from 50 °C / min to 60 °C / min).

[0047] In most instances, the aluminum alloy cast product is then allowed to soak (i.e., held at the indicated temperature) for a period of time. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy cast product is allowed to soak for up to 15 hours (e.g., from 30 minutes to 6 hours, inclusively). For example, in some embodiments, the aluminum alloy cast product is soaked at a temperature of at least 450 °C for 30 minutes, for 1 hour, for 2 hours, for 3 hours, for 4 hours, for 5 hours, for 6 hours, for 7 hours, for 8 hours, for 9 hours, for 10 hours, for 11 hours, for 12 hours, for 13 hours, for 14 hours, for 15 hours, or for any time period in between.

[0048] In some embodiments, the homogenization described herein can be carried out in a two-stage homogenization process. In some such embodiments, the homogenization process can include the above-described heating and soaking steps, which can be referred to as the first stage, and can further include a second stage. In the second stage of the homogenization process, the temperature of the aluminum alloy cast product is increased to a temperature higher than the temperature used for the first stage of the homogenization process. The aluminum alloy cast product temperature can be increased, for example, to a temperature at least 5 °C higher than the aluminum alloy cast product temperature during the first stage ofthe homogenization process. For example, the aluminum alloy cast product temperature can be increased 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 homogenization temperature can be 5 °C / hour or less, 3 °C / hour or less, or 2.5 °C / hour or less. The aluminum alloy cast product is then allowed to soak for a period of time during the second stage. In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy cast product is allowed to soak for up to 10 hours (e.g., from 30 minutes to 10 hours, inclusively). For example, the aluminum alloy cast product can be soaked at the temperature of at least 455 °C for 30 minutes, for 1 hour, for 2 hours, for 3 hours, for 4 hours, for 5 hours, for 6 hours, for 7 hours, for 8 hours, for 9 hours, or for 10 hours. In some embodiments, following homogenization, the homogenized aluminum alloy cast product is allowed to cool to room temperature in the air.

[0049] In some embodiments, homogenization may not be performed, such as in certain continuous casting (CC) methods where such steps may not be necessary.Optional Quenching

[0050] In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy cast product can be quenched prior to hot rolling, particularly in some embodiments where the cast product was formed by continuous casting (CC). In some such embodiments, the homogenization disclosed above may not be performed. Thus, in some embodiments involving CC, after the casting step, the cast product is quenched. In the quenching step, the cast product can be cooled to a temperature at or below about 300 °C. For example, the cast product can be cooled to a temperature at or below 290 °C, at or below 280 °C, at or below 270 °C, at or below 260 °C, at or below 250 °C, at or below 240 °C, at or below 230 °C, at or below 220 °C, at or below 210 °C, at or below 200 °C, at or below 190 °C, at or below 180 °C, at or below 170 °C, at or below 160 °C, at or below 150 °C, at or below 140 °C, at or below 130 °C, at or below 120 °C, at or below 110 °C, at or below 100 °C, at or below 90 °C, at or below 80 °C, at or below 70 °C, at or below 60 °C, at or below 50 °C, or at or below 40 °C (e.g., about 25 °C). The quenching step can be performed using a liquid (e.g., water), a gas (e.g., air), or another selected quench medium.Hot Rolling

[0051] Following the homogenization step, one or more hot rolling passes may be performed. In certain cases, the homogenized aluminum alloy cast products are laid downand hot rolled at a temperature ranging from 250 °C to 550 °C (e.g., from 300 °C to 500 °C, or from 350 °C to 450 °C). In some cases, the hot rolling step can be conducted at an entry temperature of about 450 °C to about 550 °C (e.g., from 450 °C to 525 °C, or from 475 °C to 550 °C) and an exit temperature of about 250 °C to about 380 °C (e.g., from 250 °C to 325 °C, or from 300 °C to 380 °C).

[0052] In certain embodiments, the homogenized aluminum alloy cast product is hot rolled to gauge of about 4 mm to about 15 mm (e.g., from 4 mm to 15 mm thick gauge), which is referred to as a shate. For example, the homogenized aluminum alloy cast product can be hot rolled to a 15 mm thick gauge, a 14 mm thick gauge, a 13 mm thick gauge, a 12 mm thick gauge, a l l mm thick gauge, a 10 mm thick gauge, a 9 mm thick gauge, a 8 mm thick gauge, a 7 mm thick gauge, a 6 mm thick gauge, a 5 mm thick gauge, or a 4 mm thick gauge.

[0053] In certain other embodiments, the homogenized aluminum alloy cast product can be hot rolled to a gauge greater than 15 mm thick (e.g., a plate). For example, the homogenized aluminum alloy cast product can be hot rolled to a 25 mm thick gauge, a 24 mm thick gauge, a 23 mm thick gauge, a 22 mm thick gauge, a 21 mm thick gauge, a 20 mm thick gauge, a 19 mm thick gauge, a 18 mm thick gauge, a 17 mm thick gauge, or a 16 mm thick gauge.

[0054] In other cases, the homogenized aluminum alloy cast product can be hot rolled to a gauge no more than 4 mm (i.e., a sheet). In some such embodiments, the homogenized aluminum alloy cast product is hot rolled to a 1 mm to 4 mm thick gauge. For example, the homogenized aluminum alloy cast product can be hot rolled to a 4 mm thick gauge, a 3 mm thick gauge, a 2 mm thick gauge, or a 1 mm thick gauge.Cold Rolling

[0055] Following the hot rolling step, one or more cold rolling passes may be performed. In certain embodiments, the rolled aluminum alloy product from the hot rolling step (e.g., the plate, shate, or sheet) can be cold rolled to a sheet. In certain cases, the rolled aluminum alloy products from the hot rolling step are cold rolled at a temperature ranging from ambient temperature (25 °C) to 200 °C (e.g., from 25 °C to 150 °C, or from 75 °C to 200 °C). In some cases, the cold rolling step can be conducted at an entry temperature of about 25 °C to about 100 °C (e.g., from 25 °C to 75 °C, or from 50 °C to 100 °C) and an exit temperature of about 75 °C to about 200 °C (e.g., from 75 °C to 150 °C, or from 125 °C to 200 °C).

[0056] In some embodiments, the one or more cold rolling passes reduce the thickness of the rolled aluminum alloy product from the hot rolling step (e.g., the plate, shate, or sheet) 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%.

[0057] In some embodiments, the aluminum alloy sheet product from the cold rolling step has a gauge ranging from about 0.1 mm to about 4.0 mm, or from 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm, or from 0.7 mm to 2.0 mm. In some embodiments, the produced aluminum alloy sheet product from the cold rolling step has a thickness of 4.0 mm, 3.9 mm, 3.8 mm, 3.7 mm, 3.6 mm, 3.5 mm, 3.4 mm, 3.3 mm, 3.2 mm, 3.1 mm, 3.0 mm, 2.9 mm, 2.8 mm, 2.7 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.0 mm, 1.9 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.0 mm, 0.9 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.2 mm, or 0.1 mm.Optional Finishing

[0058] The aluminum alloy sheets of the present disclosure preferably have an Hxx temper, also referred to herein as an H temper. In some embodiments, the final temper is an Hlx-temper, an H2x-temper, or an H3x-temper. For example, the final temper may be an H14-temper, an H18-temper, an H22-temper, an H24-temper, an H26-temper, an H28- temper, an H291 -temper, an H32-temper, or an H34-temper.

[0059] If the desired temper is not present after cold rolling, the aluminum alloy sheet product after cold rolling can be annealed to a desired temper. In certain cases, the aluminum alloy sheet product from the cold rolling step is annealed at a temperature ranging from about 200 °C to about 400 °C (e.g., from 200 °C to 350 °C, or from 250 °C to 400 °C). The annealing step may be soaked at a the annealing temperature for 15 minutes, for 30 minutes, for 1 hour, for 2 hours, for 3 hours, for 4 hours, for 5 hours, or for 6 hours, or for any time period in between.Optional Coatings

[0060] Optionally, the aluminum alloy sheet product (e.g., after cold rolling or after annealing) can be coated. Some coating compositions are used to create a “clear” coating layer, meaning a layer with a relatively high degree of visual transparency. Such a clear coating layer may be applied onto a metal substrate as a final protective layer after application of a paint coating. However, a paint coating need not be applied; a “clear” coatinglayer may be applied directly onto a metal substrate or after application of one or more of pretreatment or primer coatings. Even when the compositions are intended to create a “clear” coating, they may contain pigments or tints. Some other examples of the coating compositions are used to create opaque or colored coatings, and may contain various pigments, tints or fillers to create a corresponding visual effect.

[0061] The coating can include more than one layer. Individual layers of the coating may include, but are not limited to, primers (also referred to as an adhesion promoter), paints, exterior enamels, or any combination thereof. An individual coating may include one or more binders, a carrier fluid (e.g., water, an organic solvent, an emulsion, and the like), optionally one or more pigments (or tints), and optionally additives (e.g., surfactants, salts, catalysts, crosslinkers, and the like). If needed, one or more coatings may be cured to cause crosslinking of t

[0062] Polymers suitable for use as binders that may be included, but are not limited to, polyurethanes (e.g., brown base coating), polyesters (e.g., white base coating), polyamides, polyacrylic acids, polyacrylates (also known as acrylate polymers or acrylics), alkyds, vinylacrylics, vinyl acetate- ethylene, polyvinyl acetate, styrene polymers and co-polymers (such as styrene acrylic co-copolymers), melamine resins, epoxy resins, the like, and any combination thereof. If needed, one or more coatings may be cured to cause crosslinking of the binders.Aluminum Alloy Sheet Product Properties

[0063] In certain aspects, the aluminum alloy sheet product (coated or otherwise) having a gauge of about 0.1 mm to about 4.0 mm and having an Hlx-temper, an H2x-temper, or an H3x-temper may have a yield stress of at least about 175 MPa. In nonlimiting examples, the yield stress is at least 200 MPa, at least 210 MPa, at least 220 MPa, at least 230 MPa, at least 240 MPa, or at least 250 MPa. For example, the yield stress can be from 175 MPa to 300 MPa, from 175 MPa to 250 MPa, from 200 MPa to 275 MPa, or from 225 MPa to 300 MPa. The yield stress is measured according to ASTM B557-15.

[0064] In certain aspects, the aluminum alloy sheet product (coated or otherwise) having a gauge of about 0.1 mm to about 4.0 mm and having an Hlx-temper, an H2x-temper, or an H3x-temper may have a maximum tensile stress of at least about 200 MPa. In nonlimiting examples, the maximum tensile stress is at least 210 MPa, at least 220 MPa, at least 230 MPa, at least 240 MPa, or at least 250 MPa. For example, the maximum tensile stress can befrom 175 MPa to 300 MPa, from 175 MPa to 250 MPa, from 200 MPa to 275 MPa, or from 225 MPa to 300 MPa. The maximum tensile stress is measured according to ASTM B557-15.

[0065] In certain aspects, the aluminum alloy sheet product (coated or otherwise) having a gauge of about 0.1 mm to about 4.0 mm and having an Hlx-temper, an H2x-temper, or an H3x-temper may have a maximum axial strain of about 7.5% or less. In nonlimiting examples, the maximum axial strain is 7.4% or less, 7.3% or less, 7.2% or less, 7.1% or less, or 7.0% or less. For example, the maximum axial strain can be from 5.5% to 7.5%, from 5.5% to 7.0%, or from 5.5% to 6.5%. The maximum axial strain is measured according to ASTM B557-15.

[0066] In certain aspects, the aluminum alloy sheet product (coated or otherwise) having a gauge of about 0.1 mm to about 4.0 mm and having an Hlx-temper, an H2x-temper, or an H3x-temper may have a uniform elongation of about 5.5% or less. In nonlimiting examples, the uniform elongation is 5.4% or less, 5.3% or less, 5.2% or less, 5.1% or less, or 5.0% or less. For example, the uniform elongation can be from 4.0% to 5.5%, from 4.0% to 5.0%, or from 4.0% to 4.8%. The uniform elongation is measured in a direction longitudinal to the rolling direction of the alloy (“0°”) according to ASTM B557-15.

[0067] In certain aspects, the aluminum alloy sheet product (coated or otherwise) having a gauge of about 0.1 mm to about 4.0 mm and having an Hlx-temper, an H2x-temper, or an H3x-temper may have a corrosion creep of 3 mm or less. In nonlimiting examples, the corrosion creep is 2.9 mm or less, 2.8 mm or less, 2.7 mm or less, 2.6 mm or less, or 2.5 mm or less. For example, the uniform elongation can be from 0.1 mm to 3.0 mm, from 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm, or from 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm. The corrosion creep is measured according to ASTM G85 Annex 2.Methods of Using

[0068] The aluminum alloy sheet products described herein (coated or otherwise) can be used to for parts of truck trailers including beds, side rails, and the like. FIG. 1 illustrates a nonlimiting example of a truck trailer 100. The truck trailer includes a bed 102 with a bed bottom 104 and bed walls 106. In the illustrated example, the bed 102 include three bed walls 106 with one at the front of the truck trailer 100 and one on each side of the truck trailer 100. Alternative truck trailer embodiments may include an additional side at the back of the truck trailer, which may be hinged to allow for opening and closing.

[0069] The truck trailer 100 also includes wheels 108 and wheel wells 110 on each side of the truck trailer 100 and a hitching system 112 at the front of the truck trailer 100.

[0070] As described herein, truck trailers can be used for hauling moisture-rich materials like mulch and manure. Advantageously, aluminum alloy sheet products described herein (coated or otherwise) may be used as material for forming various parts of a truck trailer, which due to the improved corrosion resistance may increase the lifetime of said parts. For example, the bottom 104 of the bed 102 may be formed from the aluminum alloy sheet products described herein (coated or otherwise). The illustrated example shows the bottom 104 formed of multiple panels extending from the front of the bed 102 to the back of the bed 102. Alternatively, the bottom of a bed of a truck trailer may be formed from a single aluminum alloy sheet products described herein (coated or otherwise).

[0071] Additionally, the walls 106 and wheel wells 110 of the illustrated truck trailer 100 or the walls and wheel wells of other truck trailer embodiments may be formed from the aluminum alloy sheet products described herein (coated or otherwise).

[0072] Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure may include a truck trailer comprising a bed defined by a bottom and at least two walls, wherein the bottom of the bed is formed, at least in part, by an aluminum alloy sheet product described herein (coated or otherwise). Said aluminum alloy sheet product may be a single sheet forming the bottom or a collection of panels where the panels are formed by the aluminum alloy sheet product.

[0073] Further, embodiments of the present disclosure may include a truck trailer comprising a bed defined by a bottom and at least two walls, wherein the bottom and the at least two sidewalls are formed, at least in part, by aluminum alloy sheet products described herein (coated or otherwise). Said aluminum alloy sheet products may include a single sheet forming the bottom or a collection of panels where the panels are formed by the aluminum alloy sheet product. Further, the walls may include the aluminum alloy sheet product shaped into bars (or the like) that make up the railing of the walls. Alternatively, each wall may be a contiguous barrier formed by the aluminum alloy sheet product.ILLUSTRATIVE ASPECTS

[0074] As used below, any reference to a series of aspects (e.g., “Aspects 1-4”) or nonenumerated group of aspects (e.g., “any previous or subsequent aspect”) is to be understood as a reference to each of those aspects disjunctively (e.g., “Aspects 1-4” is to be understood as “Aspects 1, 2, 3, or 4 ”).

[0075] Aspect 1 is a method of producing an aluminum alloy sheet product, the method comprising: casting an aluminum alloy to form an ingot, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises up to 0.25 wt. % copper, up to 0.7 wt. % iron, 0.8 wt. % to 1.3 wt. % magnesium, 1.0 wt. % to 1.5 wt. % manganese, up to 0.3 wt. % silicon, up to 0.25 wt. % zinc, 0.10 wt. % to 0.20 wt. % chromium, up to 0.2 wt. % of impurities, and aluminum; homogenizing the ingot to form a homogenized aluminum alloy cast product; hot rolling the homogenized aluminum alloy cast product to produce a rolled aluminum alloy product; cold rolling the rolled aluminum alloy product to produce the aluminum alloy sheet product having a gauge of 0.1 mm to 4.0 mm; and optionally, annealing the aluminum alloy sheet product; wherein the aluminum alloy sheet product after the cold rolling step or after the annealing step, if performed, has an Hlx-temper, an H2x-temper, or an H3x-temper.

[0076] Aspect 2 is the method of any previous or subsequent aspect, wherein the homogenizing step comprises heating the ingot to a temperature of 450 °C to 600 °C.

[0077] Aspect 3 is the method of any previous or subsequent aspect, further comprising quenching the ingot after the homogenizing step and before the hot rolling step.

[0078] Aspect 4 is the method of any previous or subsequent aspect, wherein the hot rolling step is conducted at an entry temperature of 500 °C to 540 °C and an exit temperature of 250 °C to 380 °C.

[0079] Aspect 5 is the method of any previous or subsequent aspect, wherein the cold rolling step is conducted at an entry temperature of 25 °C to 100 °C and an exit temperature of 75 °C to 200 °C.

[0080] Aspect 6 is the method of any previous or subsequent aspect, wherein the annealing step is performed at a temperature that is between 200 °C and 400 °C and allowed to soak of 30 to 120 minutes.

[0081] Aspect 7 is the method of any previous or subsequent aspect, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises 0.05 wt. % to 0.25 wt. % copper, 0.3 wt. % to 0.7 wt. % iron, 0.8 wt. % to 1.3 wt. % magnesium, 1.0 wt. % to 1.5 wt. % manganese, 0.1 wt. % to 0.3 wt. % silicon, 0.01 wt. % to 0.25 wt. % zinc, 0.11 wt. % to 0.20 wt. % chromium, up to 0.2 wt. % of impurities, and aluminum.

[0082] Aspect 8 is the method of any previous or subsequent aspect, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises 0.05 wt. % to 0.20 wt. % copper, 0.3 wt. % to 0.6 wt. % iron, 0.8 wt. % to 1.1 wt. % magnesium, 1.0 wt. % to 1.3 wt. % manganese, 0.15 wt. % to 0.3 wt. %silicon, 0.01 wt. % to 0.15 wt. % zinc, 0.12 wt. % to 0.15 wt. % chromium, up to 0.2 wt. % of impurities, and aluminum.

[0083] Aspect 9 is the method of any previous or subsequent aspect, wherein the aluminum alloy does not comprise scandium, titanium, vanadium, nickel, yttrium, zirconium, hafnium, thallium, gallium, tin, lead, bismuth, strontium, and calcium.

[0084] Aspect 10 is the method of any previous or subsequent aspect, wherein the aluminum alloy has a Mn / Cr weight ratio of 1 to 3.

[0085] Aspect 11 is the method of any previous or subsequent aspect, wherein the aluminum alloy has a Fe / Cr weight ratio of 2 to 5.

[0086] Aspect 12 is a method of producing a coated aluminum alloy sheet product, the method comprising: casting an aluminum alloy to form an ingot, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises up to 0.25 wt. % copper, up to 0.7 wt. % iron, 0.8 wt. % to 1.3 wt. % magnesium, 1.0 wt. % to 1.5 wt. % manganese, up to 0.3 wt. % silicon, up to 0.25 wt. % zinc, 0.10 wt. % to 0.20 wt. % chromium, up to 0.2 wt. % of impurities, and aluminum; homogenizing the ingot to form a homogenized aluminum alloy cast product; hot rolling the homogenized aluminum alloy cast product to produce a rolled aluminum alloy product; cold rolling the rolled aluminum alloy product to produce the aluminum alloy sheet product having a gauge of 0.1 mm to 4.0 mm; annealing the aluminum alloy sheet product, wherein the aluminum alloy sheet product after the annealing step has an Hlx-temper, an H2x -temper, or an H3x- temper; and applying a coating to the aluminum alloy sheet product.

[0087] Aspect 13 is the method of aspect 12, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises 0.05 wt. % to 0.25 wt. % copper, 0.3 wt. % to 0.7 wt. % iron, 0.8 wt. % to 1.3 wt. % magnesium, 1.0 wt. % to 1.5 wt. % manganese, 0.1 wt. % to 0.3 wt. % silicon, 0.01 wt. % to 0.25 wt. % zinc, 0.11 wt. % to 0.20 wt. % chromium, up to 0.2 wt. % of impurities, and aluminum.

[0088] Aspect 14 is the method of any of aspects 12-13, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises 0.05 wt. % to 0.20 wt. % copper, 0.3 wt. % to 0.6 wt. % iron, 0.8 wt. % to 1.1 wt. % magnesium, 1.0 wt. % to 1.3 wt. % manganese, 0.15 wt. % to 0.3 wt. % silicon, 0.01 wt. % to 0.15 wt. % zinc, 0.12 wt. % to 0.15 wt. % chromium, up to 0.2 wt. % of impurities, and aluminum.

[0089] Aspect 15 is the method of any of aspects 12-14, wherein the aluminum alloy does not comprise scandium, titanium, vanadium, nickel, yttrium, zirconium, hafnium, thallium, gallium, tin, lead, bismuth, strontium, and calcium.

[0090] Aspect 16 is the method of any of aspects 12-15, wherein the aluminum alloy has a Mn / Cr weight ratio of 1 to 3.

[0091] Aspect 17 is the method of any of aspects 12-16, wherein the aluminum alloy has a Fe / Cr weight ratio of 2 to 5.

[0092] Aspect 18 is an aluminum alloy sheet product comprising an aluminum alloy and having a gauge of 0.1 mm to 4.0 mm, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises: up to 0.25 wt. % copper, up to 0.7 wt. % iron, 0.8 wt. % to 1.3 wt. % magnesium, 1.0 wt. % to 1.5 wt. % manganese, up to 0.3 wt. % silicon, up to 0.25 wt. % zinc, 0.10 wt. % to 0.20 wt. % chromium, up to 0.2 wt. % of impurities, and aluminum, wherein the aluminum alloy sheet product has an Hlx-temper, an H2x -temper, or an H3x-temper.

[0093] Aspect 19 is the aluminum alloy sheet product of aspect 18, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises: 0.05 wt. % to 0.25 wt. % copper, 0.3 wt. % to 0.7 wt. % iron, 0.8 wt. % to 1.3 wt. % magnesium, 1.0 wt. % to 1.5 wt. % manganese, 0.1 wt. % to 0.3 wt. % silicon, 0.01 wt. % to 0.25 wt. % zinc, 0.11 wt. % to 0.20 wt. % chromium, up to 0.2 wt. % of impurities, and aluminum.

[0094] Aspect 20 is the aluminum alloy sheet product of any of aspects 18-19, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises: 0.05 wt. % to 0.20 wt. % copper, 0.3 wt. % to 0.6 wt. % iron, 0.8 wt. % to 1.1 wt. % magnesium, 1.0 wt. % to 1.3 wt. % manganese, 0.15 wt. % to 0.3 wt. % silicon, 0.01 wt. % to 0.15 wt. % zinc, 0.12 wt. % to 0.15 wt. % chromium, up to 0.2 wt. % of impurities, and aluminum.

[0095] All patents and publications cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. The foregoing description of the embodiments, including illustrated embodiments, has been presented only for the purpose of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting to the precise forms disclosed. Numerous modifications, adaptations, and uses thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method of producing an aluminum alloy sheet product, the method comprising: casting an aluminum alloy to form an ingot, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises up to 0.25 wt. % copper, up to 0.7 wt. % iron, 0.8 wt. % to 1.3 wt. % magnesium, 1.0 wt. % to 1.5 wt. % manganese, up to 0.3 wt. % silicon, up to 0.25 wt. % zinc, 0.10 wt. % to 0.20 wt. % chromium, up to 0.2 wt. % of impurities, and aluminum; homogenizing the ingot to form a homogenized aluminum alloy cast product; hot rolling the homogenized aluminum alloy cast product to produce a rolled aluminum alloy product; cold rolling the rolled aluminum alloy product to produce the aluminum alloy sheet product having a gauge of 0.1 mm to 4.0 mm; and optionally, annealing the aluminum alloy sheet product; wherein the aluminum alloy sheet product after the cold rolling step or after the annealing step, if performed, has an Hlx-temper, an H2x -temper, or an H3x-temper.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the homogenizing step comprises heating the ingot to a temperature of 450 °C to 600 °C.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising quenching the ingot after the homogenizing step and before the hot rolling step.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the hot rolling step is conducted at an entry temperature of 500 °C to 540 °C and an exit temperature of 250 °C to 380 °C.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the cold rolling step is conducted at an entry temperature of 25 °C to 100 °C and an exit temperature of 75 °C to 200 °C.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the annealing step is performed at a temperature that is between 200 °C and 400 °C and allowed to soak of 30 to 120 minutes.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises 0.05 wt. % to 0.25 wt. % copper, 0.3 wt. % to 0.7 wt. % iron, 0.8 wt. % to 1.3 wt. % magnesium, 1.0 wt. % to 1.5wt. % manganese, 0.1 wt. % to 0.3 wt. % silicon, 0.01 wt. % to 0.25 wt. % zinc, 0.11 wt. % to 0.20 wt. % chromium, up to 0.2 wt. % of impurities, and aluminum.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises 0.05 wt. % to 0.20 wt. % copper, 0.3 wt. % to 0.6 wt. % iron, 0.8 wt. % to 1.1 wt. % magnesium, 1.0 wt. % to 1.3 wt. % manganese, 0.15 wt. % to 0.3 wt. % silicon, 0.01 wt. % to 0.15 wt. % zinc, 0.12 wt. % to 0.15 wt. % chromium, up to 0.2 wt. % of impurities, and aluminum.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the aluminum alloy does not comprise scandium, titanium, vanadium, nickel, yttrium, zirconium, hafnium, thallium, gallium, tin, lead, bismuth, strontium, and calcium.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the aluminum alloy has a Mn / Cr weight ratio of 1 to 3.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the aluminum alloy has a Fe / Cr weight ratio of 2 to 5.

12. A method of producing a coated aluminum alloy sheet product, the method comprising: casting an aluminum alloy to form an ingot, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises up to 0.25 wt. % copper, up to 0.7 wt. % iron, 0.8 wt. % to 1.3 wt. % magnesium, 1.0 wt. % to 1.5 wt. % manganese, up to 0.3 wt. % silicon, up to 0.25 wt. % zinc, 0.10 wt. % to 0.20 wt. % chromium, up to 0.2 wt. % of impurities, and aluminum; homogenizing the ingot to form a homogenized aluminum alloy cast product; hot rolling the homogenized aluminum alloy cast product to produce a rolled aluminum alloy product; cold rolling the rolled aluminum alloy product to produce the aluminum alloy sheet product having a gauge of 0.1 mm to 4.0 mm; annealing the aluminum alloy sheet product, wherein the aluminum alloy sheet product after the annealing step has an Hlx-temper, an H2x -temper, or an H3x-temper; and applying a coating to the aluminum alloy sheet product.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises 0.05 wt. % to 0.25 wt. % copper, 0.3 wt. % to 0.7 wt. % iron, 0.8 wt. % to 1.3 wt. % magnesium, 1.0 wt. % to 1.5 wt. % manganese, 0.1 wt. % to 0.3 wt. % silicon, 0.01 wt. % to 0.25 wt. % zinc, 0.11 wt. % to 0.20 wt. % chromium, up to 0.2 wt. % of impurities, and aluminum.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises 0.05 wt. % to 0.20 wt. % copper, 0.3 wt. % to 0.6 wt. % iron, 0.8 wt. % to 1.1 wt. % magnesium, 1.0 wt. % to 1.3 wt. % manganese, 0.15 wt. % to 0.3 wt. % silicon, 0.01 wt. % to 0.15 wt. % zinc, 0.12 wt. % to 0.15 wt. % chromium, up to 0.2 wt. % of impurities, and aluminum.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the aluminum alloy does not comprise scandium, titanium, vanadium, nickel, yttrium, zirconium, hafnium, thallium, gallium, tin, lead, bismuth, strontium, and calcium.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the aluminum alloy has a Mn / Cr weight ratio of 1 to 3.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein the aluminum alloy has a Fe / Cr weight ratio of 2 to 5.

18. An aluminum alloy sheet product comprising an aluminum alloy and having a gauge of 0.1 mm to 4.0 mm, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises: up to 0.25 wt. % copper, up to 0.7 wt. % iron,0.8 wt. % to 1.3 wt. % magnesium,1.0 wt. % to 1.5 wt. % manganese, up to 0.3 wt. % silicon, up to 0.25 wt. % zinc,0.10 wt. % to 0.20 wt. % chromium, up to 0.2 wt. % of impurities, and aluminum, wherein the aluminum alloy sheet product has an Hlx-temper, an H2x-temper, or an H3x-temper.

19. The aluminum alloy sheet product of claim 18, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises:0.05 wt. % to 0.25 wt. % copper, 0.3 wt. % to 0.7 wt. % iron, 0.8 wt. % to 1.3 wt. % magnesium, 1.0 wt. % to 1.5 wt. % manganese, 0.1 wt. % to 0.3 wt. % silicon, 0.01 wt. % to 0.25 wt. % zinc,0.11 wt. % to 0.20 wt. % chromium, up to 0.2 wt. % of impurities, and aluminum.

20. The aluminum alloy sheet product of claim 18, wherein the aluminum alloy comprises:0.05 wt. % to 0.20 wt. % copper, 0.3 wt. % to 0.6 wt. % iron, 0.8 wt. % to 1.1 wt. % magnesium, 1.0 wt. % to 1.3 wt. % manganese, 0.15 wt. % to 0.3 wt. % silicon, 0.01 wt. % to 0.15 wt. % zinc,0.12 wt. % to 0.15 wt. % chromium, up to 0.2 wt. % of impurities, and aluminum.

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