Role of Ni and Zr in preserving the strength of 354 aluminum alloy at high temperature

Abstract

The aim of numerous research projects has always been to achieve a high output, in conjunction with outstanding efficiency of the designated alloys, making them applicable at higher temperature. The present work investigates the effects of minor additions of Nickel and Zirconium to hypoeutectic 354 alloy containing 9%Si, 1.85%Cu, 0.5%Mg, 0.2%Ti, and 0.015%Sr. Ni and Zr were added to these alloys in amounts of 0.2% and 0.4% each, individually or in combination, to investigate their effect on the high temperature mechanical properties of the alloys studied. The alloys were cast in the form of tensile test bars (using an ASTM: B108 mold). The bars were solution heat treated for 8 hrs at 505°C, quenched in warm water, followed by aging at 190°C for 2 hrs. The aged bars were tested at 155°C and 300°C after preheating at these temperatures for times up to 100 hrs. Copyright © 2014 by The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society.