MICROSTRUCTURAL EVOLUTION OF ANNEALED AL-5 WT-PERCENT CA-5 WT-PERCENTZN SHEET ALLOY

Microstructural evolution on annealing of Al-5 wt% Ca-5 wt% Zn sheet a lloy has been systematically investigated by means of texture analysis and optical and transmission electron microscopy. Heat treatments in the temperature range of 100 to 540 degrees C for times between 0.11 ( 7 min) and 90.5 h have been performed. After annealing, the main textu re component of the as- received material, {113} [332], was retained, whereas the minor components, {013} [310] and {011} [100], showed clea r changes depending on the annealing conditions. Additional minor comp onents appeared upon heat treatments. Continuous recrystallization, su bgrain accommodation by means of rotation and subsequent extensive gra in growth are the processes which account for all the microstructural changes observed.