| Abstract Scope |
Al-Mn-Mg based aluminum alloys are widely used for structural sheet applications. As a non-heat treatable alloy, strength and formability are highly influenced by dispersoids and intermetallic particles (IMPs) that form during thermomechanical processing. Although the effects of Mg, Fe, and Mn on this process are relatively well known, the impact of Cr is rarely reported. In this study, the effect of Cr addition on microstructural evolution during processing -dispersoid formation, types of intermetallic particles (IMPs) and their morphology, recrystallization, and grain growth- of the Al-Mn-Mg based alloys were investigated. To accomplish this, lab-scale DC cast ingots with varying Cr content were cast, homogenized, hot rolled, and cold rolled. Microstructures at each processing step were analyzed using optical microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and systematic feature detection and characterization via energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The effect of Cr on the tensile properties was also related to the microstructure. |