Effect of Si, Mn, Be and Sr Addition on the Tensile Properties of 6061 Type Alloys: Role of Aging Treatment

The present study was performed on a 6061-type alloy to examine the effects of minor additions (Si, Mn, Be, Sr) of the type of precipitated Fe-based intermetallics, in terms of Fe/Si ratios. All alloys were grain refined (0.15%Ti in the form of Al-5%Ti-1%B) to minimize hot tearing during casting. The effect of these intermetallics on the alloy tensile properties was also investigated. Tensile test bars were solutionized at 520 °C followed by quenching in warm water at 60 °C to avoid cracking. The quenched bars were aged at 175 °C for periods up to 100 h. Characterization of the formed intermetallics as well as phase precipitation were carried out using field emission scanning electron microscopy. In Be-treated alloys, α-Al8Fe2SiBe phase may precipitate along with α-Al15(Fe, Mn)3Si2 phase. In addition, Be results in fragmentation of the α-Fe phase when the alloy was Sr-modified, leading to better tensile properties, compared to those obtained from the base alloy under same conditions. It should be noted that this study does not promote the use of Be as it is a toxic element.