Effect of solution heat treatment on galvanic coupling between intermetallics and matrix in AA7075-T6

Susceptibility to localised corrosion is strongly affected by heat treatments performed on Al–Zn–Cu–Mg alloys. In order to study how galvanic coupling between intermetallics and matrix is affected by solution heat treatment, AA7075-T6 and solution heat treated AA7075 have been characterised by means of scanning electron microscopy and scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy. Solution heat treatment strongly increased the Volta potential difference between the intermetallics and the surrounding matrix showing a strong increase in galvanic coupling. This is explained by Zn and Mg enrichment of the matrix caused by dissolution of strengthening particles during solution heat treatment.