Effect of Aging on Characterization of Sr-Modified Stir Cast A356/Al2O3 Composite

Abstract

A356/Al2O3 composites with Sr modifier were produced by stir casting process. The composites were further heat treated to obtain light material with superior characteristics through precipitation hardening of Mg2Si precipitate. The A356 alloy is reinforced with 10 %Vf Al2O3 micro particles. Small amount of Sr is added to modify eutectic silicon morphology from plate-like into fibrous. The composites were prepared by stir casting method in order to obtain dispersed reinforcement particulates within the matrix. T6 heat treatment is employed to the fabricated composites for 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 hours of aging time to improve the properties. The result reveals that an optimum values of tensile strength, impact strength, hardness and wear rate are achieved by conducting 6 hours of aging. Longer than that, the properties will decline as a result of incoherent phase domination. Small amount of Sr is shown to be able to change the morphology of eutectic silicon from plate-like into fibrous. However, Fe-intermetallics formation, porosity, and negative effect from solution treatment due to improper technical condition during heat treatment are found to contribute on deterioration of mechanical properties of the material.