Self-Hardening Alloys for Automotive Application

Abstract

In this paper a self-hardening Al-based alloy (AlZn10Si8Mg) is proposed for automotive applications as an alternative to the A357 (AlSi7Mg0.6) T6 heat treated alloy. The properties of the AlZn10Si8Mg alloy have been monitored and compared to those of the A357 alloy which is already employed in the targeted automotive industry. The samples have been submitted to microstructural analysis and mechanical characterization, while the presence of defects on the fractured surface has been identified by fracture surface analysis. A relationship between defects and mechanical performances has been identified. The corrosion resistance of the alloys has also been investigated according to the Standard BS 11846. On the basis of the results obtained till now, the AlZn10Si8Mg alloy is a good candidate for the proposed automotive application.