The Effect of Artificial Aging Treatment on Microstructure and Tensile Properties of Al-12.7Si-0.7Mg Alloy

Abstract

The microstructure and tensile properties of the extruded Al-12.7Si-0.7Mg alloy aged at 160°C, 180°C and 200°C were investigated. The precipitates in different aging conditions have been characterized by regular and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM and HREM) aiming at understanding the strengthening mechanisms. It was shown that the alloy after T6 treatment exhibits good ductility and much higher proof strength as well as tensile strength compared to 6063 alloy in general. The results have revealed that the strength changes by altering the precipitates size and volume fraction. The strengthening was attributed to be the combining effect of particle, grain boundary and precipitation strengthening.