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On the Enhancement of the Microstructure and Tensile Properties of an Al–Cu Based Cast Alloy

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Abstract

The present work was carried out on an Al–Cu alloy containing 6.5%Cu, 0.1%Si, 0.4%Mn, and 0.18%Zr (coded HT200). The investigations included hot-tearing tests, microstructural characterization, and tensile properties at room temperature (25 °C). The results were interpreted in terms of application of grain refiner, solidification rate, and phase precipitation. Grain refining using TiBor (0.15%Ti) coupled with high solidification rate (~ 8 °C/s) is proven to be very effective in reducing the alloy hot-tearing sensitivity to be equal to that of A319 alloy with an average grain size of ~ 50–80 µm. In contrast to A319 alloy, the present HT200 alloy required a single step solutionizing treatment (4 h at 520 °C) followed by water quenching to achieve maximum dissolution of the Cu phase. The alloy also exhibited a fast response to aging treatment, resulting in a significant improvement in the alloy tensile strength and quality.

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Amal Samuel for enhancing the quality of the images used in this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Département des Sciences appliquées, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Saguenay, QC, Canada

    A. Girgis, M. H. Abdelaziz, A. M. Samuel & F. H. Samuel

  2. Département PEC, Université Française d’Égypte, Ville Shorouk, Le Caire, Egypt

    M. H. Abdelaziz

  3. Nemak, S.A., P.O. Box 100, 66221, Garza Garcia, N.L., Mexico

    S. Valtierra

Authors
  1. A. Girgis
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  2. M. H. Abdelaziz
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  3. A. M. Samuel
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  4. S. Valtierra
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  5. F. H. Samuel
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Correspondence to F. H. Samuel.

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Girgis, A., Abdelaziz, M.H., Samuel, A.M. et al. On the Enhancement of the Microstructure and Tensile Properties of an Al–Cu Based Cast Alloy. Metallogr. Microstruct. Anal. 8, 757–769 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13632-019-00583-8

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