Aluminium alloys are characterized by a low density, acceptable mechanical properties and good technological properties. This unique connection of features made aluminium alloys perfect structural material for the transportation industry. Also, due to their good electrical conductivity they also found application in energy production industry. High mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of the Al-Si alloys with Mg addition may be achieved by heat treatment. However, the highest mechanical properties are achieved in the early stages of age hardening - due to precipitation of coherent phases, while high electrical conductivity may be achieved only by prolonged aging, during precipitation of semi-coherent or fully noncoherent, coarse phases. Carefully heat treated AlSi7Mg alloy may exhibit both fairly high electrical conductivity and slightly increased mechanical properties. The following article present results of the research of influence of heat treatment on the properties and microstructure of sand cast AlSi7Mg alloy. Microstructure observations were performed using light microscopy, scanning electron and scanning-transmission electron microscopy. Hardness and electrical conductivity of the AlSi7Mg alloy were investigated both in as-cast condition and after heat treatment. Maximum hardness of the alloy is achieved after solutioning at 540°C for 8h, followed by 72h of aging at 150°C, while maximal electrical conductivity after solutioning at 540°C for 48h, followed by 96h of aging at 180°C. Increase of the electrical conductivity is attributed to increasing distance between Si crystals and precipitation of semi coherent phases.
The Effects of Solidification Conditions and Heat Treatment on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of EN-AC 44400 Alloy
