Microstructure and mechanical properties of spray-deposited Al-Si-Fe-Mn-Cu-Mg alloys

In this study, Al-20Si-5Fe-(0 [similar to] 3)Mn-3Cu-1Mg alloys were synthesized by spray atomization and deposition technique. The microstructures and mechanical properties of spray deposited hypereutectic Al-Si alloys were studied using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and tensile tests. The effect of Mn content on the microstructural evolution of the high-silicon aluminum alloy has been examined. The result indicates that with the addition of 3% Mn to Al-20Si-5Fe-3Cu-1Mg alloy, the needle shape of Al-Si-Fe intermetallics is substituted by the particle shape of Al15 (FeMn)3Si2 phases. Furthermore, spray-deposited Al-20Si-5Fe-3Cu-1Mg alloy has greater strength than the powder metallurgy processed Al-20Si-3Cu-1Mg alloy at elevated temperature.