Atom probe tomography study of the nanoscale heterostructure around an Al20Mn3Cu2 dispersoid in aluminum alloy 2024

Atom probe tomography (APT) has been used to investigate the surface and sub-surface microstructures of aluminum alloy 2024 (AA2024) in the T3 condition (solution heat treated, cold worked, and naturally aged to a substantially stable condition). This study revealed surface Cu enrichment on the alloy matrix, local chemical structure around a dispersoid Al20Mn3Cu2 particle including a Cu-rich particle and S-phase particle on its external surface. Moreover, there was a significant level of hydrogen within the dispersoid, indicating that it is a hydrogen sink. These observations of the nanoscale structure around the dispersoid particle have considerable implications for understanding both corrosion and hydrogen embrittlement in high-strength aluminum alloys.