Effect of Sc on Precipitation Hardening of AlSi6Mg Alloy

The effect of Sc on precipitation hardening of AlSi6Mg was studied. Zr was previously reported that it increased the effectiveness of Sc in wrought aluminum in many areas so Zr was also used together with Sc in this study.Different levels of Sc and Zr additions were added to AlSi6Mg before casting in the permanent mold. The samples were precipitation hardened at different aging temperatures and for various aging time before testing for tensile strength and hardness. It was found that Sc addition into Al6SiMg can change its response to age hardening. Additions of Sc and Sc with Zr increased both yield strength and hardness for both aging temperatures. In addition, Sc was found to modify eutectic Si to obtain fibrous morphology. This effect of Sc on eutectic silicon modification has never been reported before.