Simultaneous improvement in corrosion resistance and hardness of a model 2xxx series Al-Cu alloy with the microstructural variation caused by Sc and Zr additions

The microstructural variation caused by Sc and Zr additions to a 2xxx series Al-Cu alloy was studied in the context of corrosion and hardness. The addition of Sc and Zr led to microstructural refinement, a decrease in corrosion current density, and a reduction in the extent of pitting and intergranular corrosion; whilst hardness increased. Such an improvement in properties was attributed to the variation of alloy microstructure. It was also...