Abstract
The properties of 6xxx aluminium alloys are governed by a hierarchy of interacting microstructural features spanning multiple length scales, from grain structure and dispersoids to nanoscale precipitates and atomic clusters. Comprehensive understanding of these materials therefore requires characterisation techniques capable of resolving structure down to atomic scale. In this work, we present an overview of electron microscopy approaches for microstructural characterisation of 6xxx alloys. Using selected examples from a range of alloys and thermomechanical conditions, we demonstrate how scanning electron microscopy and (scanning) transmission electron microscopy provide complementary insights into morphology, crystallography, chemistry and atomic structure. For instance, we show phase identification and phase mapping, grain boundary segregation and atomic overlays. The presented results illustrate how combining imaging, diffraction and spectroscopy techniques enables a consistent interpretation of complex microstructures. This approach forms a basis for linking microstructure to properties and supports the development of advanced, microstructure-informed alloy design strategies.