Influence of homogenization and aging parameters applied to mechanical and structural characteristics of alloy 5083

Aluminum based alloys of the 5xxx series are identified by a high magnesium content (4÷4.9%) which through its compounds can induce special properties of mechanical strength and resistance to various forms of corrosion. The use of 5083 aluminum alloy is especially intended for pressure vessels, products that work in special conditions of temperature and environment with increased aggressiveness, which requires the request in specifications of special properties, especially in the test of resilience. This paper aims to define the best combination of heat treatments, either homogenization or homogenization and artificial aging, in order to obtain the best mechanical and structural characteristics. Two homogenizations were carried out on the cast products (at 350°C and 450° C, respectively), each followed by artificial aging (180°C or 140°C), with different maintenance times, respectively 1h, 12h and 24h). Finally, structural correlations could be made between the values of mechanical properties (yield strength, hardness, tensile strength, elongation, microhardness and resilience) and the grain size corresponding to each structural condition.