Influence of temper condition on microstructure and mechanical properties of semisolide metal processed Al-Si-Mg alloy A356

Abstract

The microstructures and mechanical properties of strontium modified semisolid metal high pressure die cast A356 alloy are presented. The alloy A356-F (as cast) has a globular primary grain structure containing a fine eutectic. Solution treatment results in spheroidisation of the eutectic silicon particles under the T4 and T6 temper conditions. The A356-T5 maintains the fibrous silicon morphology after artificial aging. A356-T4 has better ductility and impact strength than A356-T5 due to its spheroidised silicon morphology. The impact properties of semisolid metal high pressure die cast A356 are controlled mainly by the silicon morphology and alloy strength (hardness), whereas tensile strength is determined by the degree of solid solution coupled with precipitate formation during aging.