Effect of Copper on Tensile and Hardness of Al-Si Alloy in Automotive Application

Abstract

In current research Copper was employed for preparing a ternary system of Al–Si alloy in different (0.2–2.5 wt. %) the best was taken is (1.5%wt) of copper that circumstances of solidification for improving the mechanical performance of the available in aluminium alloy. Cast iron molds were prepared to obtain tensile strength testing specimens. Alloys were prepared by employing gas furnaces. The molten metal was poured into a preheated cast-iron mold. The obtained alloy structures were studied using an X-ray diffractometer and optical microscopy. The mechanical performance of the prepared alloys was examined under the influence of different hardening conditions in both heat and non-heat-treated conditions. The outcomes showed at the ideal input status of friction stir processing, the cast alloy microstructure was enhanced in terms of refinement of eutectic and primary Si particles, homogeneous dispersion of Si, and the reduction in porosity. The mineral compounds formed during the hardening process were examined using an optical microscope. The highest maximum tensile strength (UTS) was 120 MPa for sample Al-22.5Si, and 147 MPa for sample Al-21Si-1.5Cu, while the highest hardness was 77 HB for sample Al-22.5Si, and 90 HB for sample Al-21Si-1.5Cu.