Influence of Copper Addition on Microstructure, Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Al–12.6

Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloys have been prepared using the gravity die-casting process. The influence of copper addition on microstructure, mechanical and thermal properties are studied. The experimental alloys were prepared using 5754 alloys, Al–Cu alloys, and pure zinc (solid form). Alloys are mechanically stirred for uniform distributions of alloying elements and precipitate phases. Four alloys with different copper weight percentages (0.02 wt