The effect of the T6 heat treatment on the microstructure and hardness of a secondary semi-solid AlSi9Cu3(Fe) alloy have been investigated by using optical, scanning and transmission electron microscopy and hardness testing. The semi-solid alloy was produced using the swirled enthalpy equilibration device (SEED). The solution heat treatments were performed at 450, 470 and 490 °C for 1 to 6 h followed by water quenching and artificial ageing at 160, 180 and 220 °C for holding times ranging from 1 to 30 h. The microstructural investigations have revealed the spheroidization of the eutectic Si and the dissolution of the majority of Cu-rich compounds after all the solution heat treatments; moreover, the greater the solution temperature and time, the higher the hardness of the alloy. Unacceptable surface blistering has been observed for severe solution condition, 490 °C for 3 and 6 h. The artificial ageing at 160 °C for 24 h has led to the highest alloy strengthening thanks to the precipitation of β” and Q’ (or L) phases within the α-Al matrix. The hardening peaks at higher temperatures have been early achieved due to faster hardening kinetic; however, the lower number density of β” and Q’ (or L) phases and the presence of coarser θ’ precipitates result in a reduction of hardness values for peak aged condition at 180 and 220 °C, respectively.
Type AlSi9Cu3(Fe) alloy has been modified by alloying with iron, manganese, and chromium elements to develop wear-resistant diecast hypoeutectic Al-Si-Cu alloys that can be applied for high-temperature applications. Several alloys have been produced by varying iron, manganese, and chromium levels (0.80, 1.00, 1.20 wt.% for Fe; 0.25, 0.40, 0.55 wt.% for Mn, and 0.06, 0.10 wt.% for Cr). Brinell hardness measurements and pin-on-disk wear tests have been conducted from room temperature up to 200 • C. The microstructural changes that occurred with the different alloying levels have been quantitatively examined by metallographic and image analysis techniques. The results showed how the increasing content of the Fe, Mn, and Cr promoted the precipitation of both primary and secondary Fe-enriched particles, mainly with polyhedral, blocky, and star-like morphologies. These compounds showed high hardness that is not affected by chemical composition and morphology variation. At high temperatures, the diecast alloys always showed lower average hardness and wear resistance, especially at 200 • C; however, a greater amount of Fe-rich particles can compensate the alloy softening.
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