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Sc-Containing Al–Si–Mg (6xxx) Alloys for Automotive Extrusions

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Light Metals 2024 (TMS 2024)

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Abstract

Our work focuses on improving the manufacturability and performance of Al–Si–Mg 6xxx series alloys for structural automotive components. Scandium is the most potent strengthening element in aluminum alloys but interactions between Sc and Si have limited the use of Sc in high Si-containing alloys (6xxx). We demonstrate modified heat treatment schedules for precipitation of potent Sc-containing dispersoids, which are stable during extrusion and processing. Trace scandium additions increase strength and tear resistance in lightly alloyed 6xxx alloys and reduce extrusion and heat-treating costs relative to alloys with comparable strength and tear resistance. In one example, an Al–0.5Si–0.5Mg alloy with an 0.09 wt% Sc addition increased T6 yield strength from 276 to 372 MPa with ductility only decreasing from 21 to 18%. The role of casting and homogenization on precipitation of these stable Sc-containing dispersoids will be discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Kaiser Aluminum, Spokane Valley, WA, USA

    Avishan Shomali

  2. Sunrise Energy Metals, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

    Timothy Langan

  3. Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA

    Thomas Wood & Paul Sanders

Authors
  1. Avishan Shomali
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  2. Timothy Langan
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  3. Thomas Wood
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  4. Paul Sanders
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Correspondence to Paul Sanders .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Oculatus Consulting, Marietta, GA, USA

    Samuel Wagstaff

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Shomali, A., Langan, T., Wood, T., Sanders, P. (2024). Sc-Containing Al–Si–Mg (6xxx) Alloys for Automotive Extrusions. In: Wagstaff, S. (eds) Light Metals 2024. TMS 2024. The Minerals, Metals & Materials Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-50308-5_140

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