Effect of Iron and Silicon on the Phase Composition and Microstructure of the Al–2% Cu–2% Mn (wt %) Cold Rolled Alloy

Experimental and computational techniques have been used to study the influence of Fe and Si, as probable impurities, on the phase composition and microstructure of the Al–2% Cu–2% Mn cold-rolled alloy (wt %). These elements in the total amount up to 0.4% have been found to join together into eutectic Al15(Fe,Mn)2Si5 phase inclusions, which have no negative effect on the cold-rolling processability. The hardness and electrical conductivity of the annealed cold-rolled sheets are almost the same as those of the base alloy prepared based on high-purity aluminum.