Materials Science Forum, Vol.426-4, 471-476, 2003
The effect of Si additions on the nucleation of Omega in Al-Cu-Mg alloys
The role of trace additions on the nucleation and stability of the primary strengthening phase, Omega, is of paramount importance for the enhancement of mechanical properties for moderate temperature application of Al-Cu-Mg-(Ag) alloys. In order to better understand the competition for solute, which governs the microstructural evolution of these alloys, a series of Al-Cu-Mg-Si quaternary alloys were prepared to investigate the role of trace Si additions on the nucleation of the Omega phase. Si additions were found to quell Omega nucleation in conjunction with the enhanced matrix precipitation of competing phases. These initial results indicate that it is necessary to overcome a critical Mg/Si ratio for Omega precipitation, rather than a particular Si content.