On the Formation and Growth of G.P. zones in Al-Zn Alloys above or below the Spinodal Temperature

Measurements of electrical resistivity and intensity of small-angle X-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy were made on Al-Zn alloys of several compositions. G.P. zones are formed by the nucleation-and-growth mechanism above the spinodal temperature. The nucleus has a critical size for growth. This size becomes larger when aged at higher temperatures. The sizes of the G.P. zones formed by this mechanism distribute broadly, but those formed by the spinodal decomposition do closely. The spinodal temperatures estimated for Al-10.0, 12.5, 15.0, and 20.0wt % Zn alloys are ~95, ~110, ~130, and ~180℃, respectively. The critical temperatures below which G.P. zones are observed in these alloys are ~115, ~135, ~160, and ~210℃, respectively.