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Development of a Cast Al-Mg2Si-Si In Situ Composite: Microstructure, Heat Treatment, and Mechanical Properties

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Abstract

An Al-11Mg2Si-Si in situ composite was prepared by a modified investment casting technique that employs sub-pressure for castability improvement and immersion of ceramic shell molds in fluidized beds of silica sand and iron particles for heat extraction improvement. The microstructure of the as-cast composite is explained according to the pseudoeutectic Al-Mg2Si phase diagram. The positive effect of a decreased number of mold investment layers and cooling assisted by immersion of the mold in a metallic bed on the tensile strength and hardness of the heat treated composite is noted. A minor presence of Fe in the master alloys constitutes an essential factor for the brittleness of the composite. Solution treatment notably improves the tensile strength of the composite; however, prolonged treatment deteriorates its ductility. The effect of time and temperature of the aging treatment on the hardness of the composite is investigated. The positive influence of cooling assisted by a metallic fluidized bed on the effectiveness of the aging treatment is noticed.

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Acknowledgments

To Mr. P. Polatidis for his valuable advice regarding the fabrication of the cast material and to Dr. A. Vasilakos for his help in the SEM.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece

    E. Georgatis, A. Lekatou, A. E. Karantzalis, H. Petropoulos, S. Katsamakis & A. Poulia

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  1. E. Georgatis
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  2. A. Lekatou
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  3. A. E. Karantzalis
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Correspondence to A. Lekatou.

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Georgatis, E., Lekatou, A., Karantzalis, A.E. et al. Development of a Cast Al-Mg2Si-Si In Situ Composite: Microstructure, Heat Treatment, and Mechanical Properties. J. of Materi Eng and Perform 22, 729–741 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11665-012-0337-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11665-012-0337-6

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