Investigation of the Effects of Deformation Aging Applied to AA 7075 Aluminum Alloy on Mechanical and Metallographic Properties

Aging is quite important in improving the mechanical properties of aluminum alloys. One of the most widely used Al alloys is AA7075 aluminum alloy. Since AA7075 aluminum alloys contain aluminum-zinc-magnesium-copper, various aging processes have been applied to improve their mechanical qualities, and as a result, they have become commercially available. When this aluminum alloy series with increased strength is subjected to any thermal effect in industrial use, the loss of mechanical properties can be reduced by applying deformation aging. In this study, the effect of deformation aging on the mechanical properties of commercially available aluminum alloy has been determined and the relationship between mechanical properties and microstructure examined. Deformation aging was applied to 7075 Al alloy in our study by cooling in air, water and oil at temperatures of 120–180 °C for 2–24 hours. Structural differences were revealed by examining the effects of heat treatment on the mechanical properties and machinability properties of the alloy. As a result of the study, it was observed that metallographic precipitation occurred in the AA7075 Al alloy, and accordingly, intermetallic phases were formed. It is thought that various nanoscale fine precipitates occurring in the matrix of this alloy can also prevent dislocation movements. The study has positive effects on the mechanical properties of the material.