Influence of the aging time on the electrical conductivity of the designation of the series 8000 AA-8176 aluminum alloys

Abstract

Ten samples of aluminum alloys with designation AA-8176 were analyzed, using the same homogenization thermal treatment at 570°C. Subsequently, these samples were subjected to different aging-time conditions ranging from 180°C and 210°C. Variations in temperature due to the Joule effect were measured for an electric current density in the range of 5-40 A/mm2 in each alloyed sample. Through the manufacturing process of the AA-8176 alloy, aspects such as size, shape, and precipitates due to the different alloying elements present in the specimen were taken into account. Through the Joule effect, it was observed that two of the samples exhibit optimal points with good electrical conductivity, corresponding to 6 and 18 hours of aging for a temperature of 210°C. Furthermore, the metallographic analysis revealed a better rearrangement in the aluminum matrix and a lower number of precipitates, as the aging time is increased.