Modification of A-6061 T6 aluminum using an Al-Mg-Ce, Al-Li master alloy

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.3175825011012

• Palavras-chave: Al-6061 T6, T6 heat treatment, Al-Mg-Ce, Lithium.

• Keywords: Al-6061 T6, T6 heat treatment, Al-Mg-Ce, Lithium.

• Abstract:

  This research analyzes the effect and modification of commercial aluminum A-6061 T6 through the addition of an Al-Mg-Ce and Al-Li master alloy with the aim of improving its mechanical properties with the influence of T6 heat treatment. The study includes the production of an Al-Mg-Ce and Al-Li master alloy through the melting of beverage cans. To obtain the Al-Mg-Ce master alloy, cerium oxide was reduced aluminothermically and magnesium was added during the melting of the cans. For the Al-Li master alloy, high-purity lithium was added to the aluminum obtained from the melting of the cans. The master alloys developed were then characterized, and the commercial A-6061 T6 aluminum was added to the master alloys.-Li master alloy, high-purity lithium was added to the aluminum obtained from the melting of cans. The master alloys developed were then characterized and added to commercial A 6061 T6 aluminum. Once solidified, a T6 solution and aging treatment was applied. The mechanical properties of the modified A-6061 T6 aluminum were obtained, as well as the microstructural changes present due to the addition of cerium, Mg, and lithium and the T6 heat treatment. The results obtained show that the incorporation of Ce, Mg, and lithium into the A-6061T6 alloy causes changes in the morphology of silicon, as well as in the distribution of the phases present in the modified aluminum. This increases its hardness and improves its mechanical properties. T6 treatment improves the distribution of these precipitates, maximizing mechanical properties. This research represents a promising strategy for developing 6000 series aluminum alloys suitable for aerospace applications and the manufacture of electrical microcomponents where weight reduction and improved mechanical performance are increased.