MATERIALS TRANSACTIONS
Online ISSN : 1347-5320
Print ISSN : 1345-9678
ISSN-L : 1345-9678
Characterization of Gallium-induced Intergranular Fracture Surface and the Auger Electron Spectroscopic Analysis for Mg Grain Boundary Segregation in AA6061 T4 Al-Mg-Si Alloy
Jun-Yen UanCheng-Chia Chang
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2004 Volume 45 Issue 6 Pages 1925-1932

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Abstract

This investigation examines the grain boundary segregation of Mg and Si in AA6061-T4 alloy, using Auger electron spectroscopy technology. Liquid metal embrittlement by gallium was conducted to fracture the AA6061-T4 alloy intergranularly to obtain compositional information directly from the grain boundary facets. The amount of liquid gallium applied is controlled to break the alloy intergranularly at room temperature, importantly without Ga-bearing particles or a film covering the fracture surface. The method of generating a fully intergranular fracture surface for AA6061 is elucidated. The AES analysis reveals that Mg in 6061 T4 alloy is segregated at grain boundaries, but Si does not. The segregation of Mg depends on the rolling direction. The mean peak-to-peak ratio IMg/IAl of the specimen whose longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the rolling direction is about three times that of the specimen whose axis parallel thereto. The grain boundary segregation is not result oxidation-induced; surface segregation also makes no contribution.

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© 2004 The Japan Institute of Metals and Materials
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