2 results listed
Aluminium alloys have wide spread application areas from foil to wheel and also aluminium alloys have
been the primary material of choice for structural components of aircraft since about 1930’s [1]. AlSi8Cu3Fe is
the most popular and common choice for die casting. AlSi8Cu3Fe is known for offering an ideal combination
efficient material properties and production workability. In addition, this material is commonly used by industrial
applications throughout the World. It is suitable for large, intricate and thin walled castings in all types of moulds,
also used where corrosion resistance or ductility is required. AlSi8Cu3Fe, being a hypoeutectic alloy close to Al–
Si eutectic composition [2]. The microstructure of this cast alloy is composed of primary - aluminium dendrites
and eutectic islands (acicular Si crystals in aluminium) [2].
International Symposium on Light Alloys and Composite Materials
UHAKS
Ebru Baser
Alper Incesu
Sedef Şişmanoğlu
Ali Gungor
In recent year’s aluminum, magnesium and similar materials that have the high specific strength
(strength/density) have become the focus of attention by the aviation and automotive industries where weight gain
is important [1-3]. The weight gain in these areas will reduce fuel consumption and therefore also reduce
greenhouse gasses (GHGs) emissions. It is important to improve the mechanical properties of these materials in
order to increase their use. Alloying, thermo-mechanical processes, heat treatments etc. are among the methods
that can be applied to develop these properties. One of the most preferred elements in the alloying of aluminum
metal is silicon. Due to the high fluidity provided by the silicon, it is possible to produce parts with complex and
thin sections by casting. Silicon provides fluidity to the liquid metal while also reducing the tendency to tear on
the spattered part [4]. Copper can be used up to 5% as an alloying element when high strength values are required
but corrosion resistance is not very important [4]. Iron, which forms intermetallic compounds with aluminum that
are highly stable but have brittle nature which, negatively affects the ductility of the part and also reduces the
corrosion resistance [4]. To get rid of these harmful effects that iron creates, some manganese or cobalt is added
to the alloy. After alloying, T6 heat treatment applied for the development of mechanical properties is one of the
most common methods. T6 heat treatment explains as artificial aging is applied after the sample is subjected to
heat treatment [4].
In this study, attempts have been made to determine wear behavior of T6 heat treatment applied to
commercially produced AlSi8Cu3Fe (ETIAL-160) aluminum alloy.
International Symposium on Light Alloys and Composite Materials
UHAKS
Ebru Baser
Alper Incesu
Sedef Şişmanoğlu
Ali Gungor