Mechanical properties of copper-bearing aluminium cast alloys over a wide temperature range

Aluminium alloys are used as replacements for heavier materials due to their strength and density. The regulations to reduce CO2 emissions have promoted the development of higher-power output engines, and heat-treated aluminium-copper is designed for such engines. In addition, these alloys can be used as toolings for plastics. Hence, there is a need to evaluate the effect that the microstructure exerts on the mechanical properties of Al-Cu alloys over a wide temperature range. Al-Cu alloys were cast, varying their composition, and tested in tension at room temperature and within the 150 to 300 degrees C range after maintaining them for up to 200 h at the testing temperature. It was found that the yield strength of some alloys was above 200 MPa after 200 h at 200 degrees C. Therefore, it would be possible to use such alloys for toolings and combustion engines with adequate processing.