The influence of thermal history on the microstructure and mechanical properties of AlSi8Cu2Fe alloy

Abstract

In this work the influence of cyclic thermal history on the microstructure and mechanical properties of AlSi8Cu2Fe alloy was studied. The commercial aluminum alloy was subjected to a special heat treatment during which the alloy repeatedly changed from a liquid to a semi-solid state. During this process, samples were taken, and the castings were subjected to another study. Gradual changes in the microstructure, chemical composition of the alloy, hardness and mechanical properties under pressure at normal temperatures have been documented. The content of alloying elements, especially magnesium, decreased significantly, the proportion of casting defects increased, especially hydrogen bubbles, microshrinkage and oxide inclusions in the alloy, with the increasing number of cycles. These changes also led to a decrease in the mechanical properties of the alloy. A series of samples without cyclic heat loading was also prepared for comparison.

Comprehensive analysis of the coated component from a FORD engine

“…The chemical composition proves that it is a component made by thermoforming and corresponds to the alloy EN AW6061 (ISO AlMg1SiCu) according to the standard ČSN EN 5731-3. In terms of chemical composition, it is an AlMgSi alloy with a low copper content as an accompanying (alloying) element [9][10][11][12][13][14]. The addition of a small amount of Cu will allow the strength of the base aluminum material to be increased by heat treatment by precipitation hardening.…”