Formability, Mechanical and Chemical Properties Assessment for High Strength AA7075 Subjected to Annealing Heat Treatment

Abstract

The current study examined how the annealing process affected the formability, mechanical and chemical characteristics of 7075 alloy. The formability was achieved during the bending test. Tensile, hardness, microstructure and corrosion tests represent mechanical and chemical properties. The test specimens for each test were prepared then followed by annealing heat treatment by heating them to 200 and 300°C in an electrical furnace for two hours. Then, the specimens were allowed to cool in the furnace to a room temperature. The results indicate that the tensile strength and hardness were decreased for about 50%. Bending strength was increased by approximately 30%, where the specimens bent at a very high angle without cracking or breaking in comparison to base metal. Annealing heat treatment with a proper selected procedures and temperatures was able to stabilize the microstructure and release the second phase precipitate particles. Annealing process contributed in improving formability, ductility and corrosion resistance of the Al 7075 alloy.