As-cast microstructure

mechanical properties and fracture morphology of Al-1.4Cu-1.4Mg-0.6Mn-0.14Zr alloy prepared by direct chilling continuous casting （DCC） and soft-contact electromagnetic continuous casting （EMC）

respectively

were comparatively analyzed. The results show that compared to direct chilling continuous casting aluminum alloy ingot

the soft-contact electromagnetic continuous casting one exhibits desirable surface quality and uniformly fine microstructure

and its tensile strength

yield strength and elongation are improved by 8.3%

5.1% and 17.6%

respectively. T4 treated aluminum bar was produced by extruding the ingot with extruding ratio of 5∶1 and then solid solution treatment plus natural aging for 96 hours. Effects of solution time on microstructure

mechanical properties and fracture morphology of the extruded aluminum bar were investigated at a fixed aging parameters. The results indicate that

with increasing in solution time

the strength of the aluminum alloy is increased gradually. The alloy with solution for 60 min exhibits desirable comprehensive properties

where tensile strength and elongation reach 538MPa and 23.3%

respectively

however

with extending solution time to 90 min

the plasticity of the alloy is deteriorated.