Effect of isothermal extrusion parameters on mechanical properties of Al-Si eutectic alloy

In this paper, mechanical properties of a deformed Al-Si eutectic alloy processed by isothermal extrusion at temperature from 573 K to 773 K with reduction ratio from 25% to 85% were investigated at ambient temperature. The results showed that a banded structure composed of matrix region and accumulation region of second phase particles was formed and a few cracks were generated in particles and evolved to voids among particles. The tensile strength of test specimens ranged from 250 MPa to 400 MPa and was directly related with temperature from 623K to 773 K. The elongation of test specimens ranged from 2.8% to 13.1%, and had a peak value at 673 K under each section reduction ratio. A reduction in elongation occurred at section reduction ratio larger than 75% because of particle bands splitting aluminum matrix severely. The effect of temperature on mechanical properties was more significant than that of section reduction ratio. Excellent balance between strength and ductility can be obtained by extrusion at temperature 623-723 K and section reduction ratio 40-70%. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.