Journal Published Online: 24 April 2017
Volume 6, Issue 3

Identification of Intermetallic Phases in an Automotive Grade Aluminum A319 Alloy

CODEN: MPCACD

Abstract

In this work, scanning electron microscopy, including energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and optical metallography techniques, were employed to identify and characterize most of the precipitated intermetallic phases developed in an Al-A319 alloy after casting and/or heat treating. This alloy is widely used in the automotive industry because of its inherent high-temperature mechanical properties for casting engine blocks. However, the alloying elements and impurities such as Fe contribute to the rather poor ductility exhibited by this alloy. The lack of appreciable elongation is intimately linked to a wide number of coarse and brittle intermetallic phases that are developed upon casting. In particular, the typical microstructures exhibited by this alloy are known as the “Chinese scripture,” and they contain numerous Fe, Si, Cu, and Mg complex coarse intermetallic phases. In this work, an effort is made to identify and characterize the various intermetallic phases formed in an Al-A319 alloy, including morphology, as well as some of the detrimental effects they have on the alloy's mechanical integrity.

Author Information

Lopez, H.
Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, US
Pages: 19
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: MPC20160036
ISSN: 2165-3992
DOI: 10.1520/MPC20160036