Analysis of void formation and crack propagation at grain boundaries in Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy

Hydrogen embrittlement in Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys is suggested to originate from debonding of the η phase interface. Previous studies have shown that intragranular T phase precipitation, facilitated by increased Mg content, contributes to the mitigation of quasi-cleavage fracture. However, the role of T phase precipitation on the grain boundary in suppressing intergranular fracture remains unclear. In this study, in-situ observational techniques were used to examine the relationship between grain boundary precipitates and hydrogen-induce intergranular cracking. Obtained results showed that while the T phase precipitates in the matrix of Mg-enhanced alloy, the η phase predominates on grain boundaries, which lead intergranular fracture. The presence of numerous voids at intergranular crack tips suggests that void nucleation along grain boundaries and subsequent coalescence is the primary mechanism of crack propagation. The observed void formation at η phase interfaces is consistent with first-principles calculations and supports the concept that intergranular fracture originates from debonding at η phase interfaces.