7xxx aluminum alloys, and methods for producing the same

Abstract

New 7xxx aluminum alloy bodies and methods of producing the same are disclosed. The new 7xxx aluminum alloy bodies may be produced by preparing the aluminum alloy body for post-solutionizing cold work, cold working by at least 25%, and then thermally treating. The new 7xxx aluminum alloy bodies may realize improved strength and other properties.

1 . A method comprising:
 (a) preparing an aluminum alloy body for post-solutionizing cold work, wherein the aluminum alloy body includes an aluminum alloy having 2.0-22 wt. % zinc, wherein the zinc is the predominate alloying element of the aluminum alloy other than aluminum;
 (i) wherein the preparing step comprises solutionizing of the aluminum alloy body; 
 (b) after the preparing step (a), cold working the aluminum alloy body by more than 50%; and 
 (c) after the cold working step (b), thermally treating the aluminum alloy body; wherein the cold working and the thermally treating steps are accomplished to achieve an increase in long-transverse tensile yield strength as compared to a reference-version of the aluminum alloy body in the as cold-worked condition. 
   
     
     
         2 .- 37 . (canceled)