Influence of Solution Temperature on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Two Cast Al–Si Alloys

ABSTRACT

In the present paper the influence of solution temperature 450–550°C on microstructure and mechanical properties of cast Al-12%-0.3% Mg and Al-16%-0.3% Mg alloys has been reported. It was observed that an increase in solution temperature increased the tensile strength of all alloys under investigation. Ductility was adversely affected. Higher solution temperature produced better refinement and distribution of eutectic silicon crystals than a low temperature. Heat treatment of all alloys showed spheroidization of eutectic silicon crystals. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of tensile-fractured surfaces was carried out to investigate the influence of solution temperature on the mode of fracture.

Keywords:

• Cast aluminium alloys
• Eutectic and hypereutectic Al–Si
• Heat treatment
• Mechanical properties
• Microstructure
• Mode of fracture
• Solutionizing temperature
• Spheroidization