%0 journal article
%@ 0167-577X
%A Klein, T., Graf, G., Staron, P., Stark, A., Clemens, H., Spoerk-Erdely, P.

%D 2021
%J Materials Letters

%P 130500 
%R doi:10.1016/j.matlet.2021.130500
%T Microstructure evolution induced by the intrinsic heat treatment occurring during wire-arc additive manufacturing of an Al-Mg-Zn-Cu crossover alloy
%U https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matlet.2021.130500
 
%X The implementation of wire-arc additive manufacturing for fabricating complex structures requires detailed knowledge of process-structure-property relationships. Results of scanning electron microscopy, wide-angle X-ray scattering, small-angle X-ray scattering, and microhardness measurements are presented to identify the mechanisms that govern the microstructure formation of an Al-Mg-Zn-Cu crossover alloy during wire-arc additive manufacturing. These analyses provide evidence on the formation of Mg-, Zn- and Cu-rich phases on different length scales spanning from ~10 µm (microsegregations), down to a few nm (bulk) following the intrinsic heat treatment. Future alloy concepts should build on the presented findings.