Influence of ageing heat treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties of a secondary rheocast AlSi9Cu3(Fe) alloy

The effects of different process parameters (temperature and time) during the ageing treatment on the microstructure and the mechanical properties of a secondary rheocast AlSi9Cu3(Fe) alloy have been examined. Optical microscope investigations have been performed to qualitatively study the microstructure of the as-rheocast and thermal treated alloys. Transmission electron microscopy technique and selected area electron diffraction analyses have been used to characterize the hardening phases precipitated in the Al-matrix during the different ageing stages. The evolution of mechanical properties of the Al matrix has been monitored by micro-hardness testing.