A new modifier for microstructure and mechanical properties of 6063 aluminum alloy

Abstract

In this paper, 6063 aluminum alloy for common building profiles is used as the research object. The effect of 6063 aluminum alloy on the microstructure and properties of 6063 aluminum alloy is studied by adding a new type of Al-Ti-C-La master alloy. The results show that Al-Ti-C-La master alloy has an obvious influence on grain refinement of 6063 aluminum alloy. With the addition of Al-Ti-C-La master alloy, the grain size decreased significantly. When the additional amount of Al-Ti-C-La master alloy is 1%, the grain size is reduced from 482 μm to 121 μm. Rare earth La is mainly distributed near the Mg2Si phase and β-AlFeSi, and complex compounds such as AlFeSiMgLa are formed. After aging for 270 days based on T6 heat treatment, the tensile strength, and elongation of 6063 aluminum alloy increase with the addition of Al-Ti-C-La master alloy, while Vickers hardness decreases gradually. When the content of Al-Ti-C-La master alloy is 1%, the tensile strength, elongation, and Vickers hardness of 6063 aluminum alloy reach 177.2 MPa, 17.8% and 60.9 HV respectively, and the tensile strength is increases by 16.3%. The elongation rate increased by 50.8%, the Vickers hardness decreased by 15.4%, and the ductile fracture was the main fracture of the alloy.