Enhanced mechanical properties of a chip-based Al-Si-Cu-Fe alloy with an in-situ emulsion decomposition recycled by solid-state processing

Abstract

The effects of a residual emulsion and its in-situ decomposition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of an Al-Si-Cu-Fe aluminum alloy recycled by hot extrusion in the solid-state were studied. Tensile tests reveal superior mechanical properties of hot extruded chips that are pre-heated at 623 K. The results indicate that the in-situ formation of carbon-rich phase is dispersed finely and homogeneously in the recycled specimens using hot extrusions and results in a better interfacial bonding between the matrix and alumina. Thus, the yield strength and tensile strength increase exceeded a factor of 1.2, and the elongation increased approximately 3% compared to that of recycled specimens prepared using clean chips. Keywords: In-situ decomposition, Mechanical properties, Microstructure, Solid-state recycling, Aluminum alloy