Avials, history of creation and overview of future outlook

Abstract

Scientific domestic and foreign literature touching the field of Al – Mg – Si wrought aluminum alloys are reviewed, the history of appearance of the most common brands is described. It is shown that the development of alloys was proceed gradually advancing their chemical composition along the quasi-binary Mg/Si = 1.73 сross -section in the direction of increasing  concentration of just Mg and Si, and the strength of last modern brands was provided by additional alloying, primarily copper, the content of which can reach 1-1.4%. The influence of alloying elements on microstructure, mechanical and corrosion properties of alloys is described, features of their heat treatment, factors of maximum strengthening and susceptibility to intergranular corrosion are revealed. Attention is focused on the key role of the Mg/Si ratio, transition metals, Cu, Cr and Mn first of all, in the formation of balanced properties, since the positive effect of these elements on increasing the strength and the recrystallization temperature is often offset by the negative impact on intergranular corrosion and quench sensitivity. It is shown that in low-alloyed Al–Mg–Si alloys the strength premises Mg/Si≈1 and the premises for high-end corrosion resistance Mg/Si≈2 are occurred simultaneously. Alongside an increase of the absolute content of Mg and Si in alloys, alongside an increase of alloying degree with other strengthening elements, it is impossible to simultaneously fulfill both of these premises; therefore, one has to look for a reasonable compromise between strengthening,  decreasing the technological plasticity and corrosion resistance of alloys. One of the effective ways to reach such a compromise is multi-stage regimes of artificial aging.  The prospects of microalloying with Sc and Ca able to form with aluminum nanoscale intermetallic phases of hardening are outlined.