The subject of the paper is structural stability of the Zn-26 wt.% Al binary alloys doped with 2.2 wt.% Cu or 1.6 wt.% Ti addition. The structural stability of Zn-Al alloys with increased Al content is connected with stability of solid solution of zinc in aluminium α', which is the main component of these alloys microstructure. Such a solution undergoes phase transformations which are accompanied, among others, by changes in dimensions and strength properties. The structural stability of the ZnAL26Cu2.2 and ZnAl26Ti1.6 alloys was investigated using XRD examinations during long term natural ageing after casting, as well as during long term natural ageing after super-saturation and quenching. On the basis of the performed examinations it was stated that small Ti addition to the binary ZnAl25 alloy, apart from structure refinement, accelerates decomposition of the primary α' phase giving stable structure in a shorter period of time in comparison with the alloy without Ti addition. Addition of Ti in amount of 1.6 wt.%, totally replacing Cu, allows obtaining stable structure and dimensions and allows avoiding structural instability caused by the metastable ε−CuZn4 phase present in the ZnAl26Cu2.2 alloy.

In the aluminium alloy family, Al-Zn materials with non-standard chemical composition containing Mg and Cu are a new group

of alloys, mainly owing to their high strength properties. Proper choice of alloying elements, and of the method of molten metal treatment

and casting enable further shaping of the properties. One of the modern methods to produce materials with submicron structure is a method

of Rapid Solidification. The ribbon cast in a melt spinning device is an intermediate product for further plastic working. Using the

technique of Rapid Solidification it is not possible to directly produce a solid structural material of the required shape and length.

Therefore, the ribbon of an ultrafine grain or nanometric structure must be subjected to the operations of fragmentation, compaction,

consolidation and hot extrusion.

In this article the authors focussed their attention on the technological aspect of the above mentioned process and described successive

stages of the fabrication of an AlZn9Mg2.5Cu1.8 alloy of ultrafine grain structure designated for further plastic working, which enables

making extruded rods or elements shaped by the die forging technology. Studies described in the article were performed under variable

parameters determined experimentally in the course of the alloy manufacturing process, including casting by RS and subsequent

fragmentation.