Investigation of Properties of Thixoprocessed LM4

Abstract

Thermomechanical treatment on cast Al-Si-Cu alloy (LM4) was carried out. The aim is to determine effects of degree of cold work, slurry thermal treatment and soaking time on the tensile strength, ductility, hardness and microstructure of the alloy. LM4 was prepared and cast in sand mould into rods of Φ50 mm and 200 mm in length. The prepared rods were then thermally treated at 635°C which fall within the slurry region of the alloy. The heated samples were soaked at this temperature for various times of: 5, 10, 15 and 20 min. A none-treated sample was also kept as control specimen. The thermally treated rods were subjected to various degrees of cold work. 10 %, 15%, 20%, 30% degrees of cold work were used. Hardness, tensile strength and elongation of the samples were determined. The metallographic examination of the samples was also carried out. Results of mechanical property test show sensitivity to degree of cold work, thermal treatment soaking time. The microstructures of the alloy also show significant modifications as a result of thermal treatment.