Microstructure and Tensile Properties of Al-15wt%Mg2Si Composite after Hot Extrusion and Heat Treatment

Abstract

In this study, the relationship between microstructures and mechanical properties of the extrusion processed Al-15wt.%Mg2Si composite was investigated after applying various extrusion ratios (6:1, 12:1 and 18:1) and solution treatment. Various techniques including metallography, tensile testing and SEM fractography were utilized to characterize the mechanical behavior of the MMC. Results demonstrated that extruded and heat treated composite possesses considerably higher strength and enhanced ductility in comparison with the as-cast samples. It was also found that heat treatment and extrusion processes do not change the primary Mg2Si morphology considerably, but its size increases as extrusion ratio decreased. Heat treatment and extrusion ratio effects on tensile strength, elongation of extruded specimens were also studied in this work.