2. Solution and quenching treatments

2.1 Treatment principles and effects

During the solidification of an alloy, the composition of the solid follows the solidus curve, given by the equilibrium diagram. When solidification is complete, grain composition is therefore heterogeneous. As mentioned above, during solutioning, grain composition becomes homogenized.

The primary role of solutioning is different. To describe it, let's consider binary magnesium-aluminum alloys.

• If solidification takes place at equilibrium