Semi-solid processing is nowadays an exploited technology to manufacture complex net shaped structural components; to further improve castings performances more advantages can arise from alloy chemical composition adjustments, compared with the traditional A356 and A357. Aim of this work is the setting up and optimization of an aluminum alloy suitable for semisolid die-casting applications characterized by good castability and proper concentration of hardening elements in the alpha phase in order to allow strengthening precipitation treatment. The Al-Si-Cu-Mg system, with addition of Ag, has been studied by means of thermodynamic calculation and experimental analyses. The castings have been thermal treated (T6), varying temperature and duration, and characterized by means of microstructural examinations and microhardness measurements to verify the potential effectiveness of precipitation hardening. To complete the optimization of the designed alloy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) has been used to evaluate the effect of silver percentage and different heat treatment conditions on the microstructural transformations.
Characterization of a new aluminum alloy containing Ag for semi-solid applications
POLA, Annalisa;ROBERTI, Roberto;BERTOLI, Ermanno
2006-01-01
Abstract
Semi-solid processing is nowadays an exploited technology to manufacture complex net shaped structural components; to further improve castings performances more advantages can arise from alloy chemical composition adjustments, compared with the traditional A356 and A357. Aim of this work is the setting up and optimization of an aluminum alloy suitable for semisolid die-casting applications characterized by good castability and proper concentration of hardening elements in the alpha phase in order to allow strengthening precipitation treatment. The Al-Si-Cu-Mg system, with addition of Ag, has been studied by means of thermodynamic calculation and experimental analyses. The castings have been thermal treated (T6), varying temperature and duration, and characterized by means of microstructural examinations and microhardness measurements to verify the potential effectiveness of precipitation hardening. To complete the optimization of the designed alloy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) has been used to evaluate the effect of silver percentage and different heat treatment conditions on the microstructural transformations.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
