The small-angle neutron scattering technique is used in order to detect the
microstructure changes induced by two different quench rates and two diffe
rent ageing treatment in the Al-Mg-Si alloy 4A6082. In particular, small si
ze and large size precipitate particles of Mg2Si are deduced to vary differ
ently for different thermal history. The two kinds of precipitates are know
n to be related to the mechanical properties of the alloy. (C) 2000 Elsevie
r Science B.V. All rights reserved.