Homogenization of AlSi7MgCu0.5 Alloy as-Cast Structure by ECAP Processing

Abstract

The homogenization of AlSi7MgCu0.5 alloy as-cast structure by using an equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) was investigated. The heat treatment of as-cast alloy applied before ECAP processing was required to increase alloy plasticity. Therefore, the samples of analyzed alloy were solution annealed at temperature of 550 °C for 4 hours and subsequently water quenched. Quenched samples were artificially aged at temperature of 300 °C for 5 hours to obtain an over-aged alloy state. The solution annealing of as-cast alloy state caused a partial spheroidization and coarsening of eutectic Si-particles. During artificial aging of analyzed alloy, the incoherent particles precipitated uniformly from α-solid solution. The ECAP technique at room temperature homogenized its heterogeneous dendritic microstructure and formed the ultra-fine grains of solid solution. A redistribution and fragmentation of the eutectic Si-particles and precipitated particles was occurred.