Abstract:Mechanical properties of aluminum-silicon-copper alloys are enhanced through precipitation hardening. The response of these alloys to age-hardening is very slow. To overcome this problem, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.7 wt.% magnesium were added to Al-10.5Si-3.4Cu alloy. The new alloys were subjected to two types of precipitation hardening processes different in the solutionizing stage. The results showed that the presence of various amounts of magnesium in the composition of this alloy accelerates the response to ageing treatments, increasing the hardness and strength. Higher mechanical properties can be achieved when the alloys were subjected to a two-stage solution heat treatment. It is found that Al-10.5Si-3.4Cu alloy containing 0.2 wt.% Mg treated through a two-stage solution process, has optimum properties with ultimate tensile strength of 383.9 MPa, yield strength of 289.7 MPa and elongation of 3.97%, and can be used as a substitute for a large number of aluminum castings which need high strength and excellent castability.

Key words: high strength alloy; AlSiCuMg alloy; two-stage solution heat treatment; precipitation hardening