Work

Heat Treatment Analysis and Mechanical Characterization of a Recycled Gravity Die Cast EN 42000 Alloy

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Recycled aluminum–silicon alloys provide significant environmental benefits by reducing the consumption of raw materials and lowering carbon emissions. However, their industrial application is limited by the presence of iron-based intermetallic compounds and the insufficient investigation in the literature regarding their effects on mechanical behavior. This study focuses on a recycled EN 42000 alloy, comprising 95% recycled aluminum, with a focus on the effect of its elevated iron content (0.447 wt%) on aging behavior and mechanical performance. Laboratory-scale specimens were produced through gravity die casting and subjected to T6 heat treatment, consisting of solution, quenching, and artificial aging from 160 °C to 190 °C for up to 8 h. To investigate overaging, analyses were conducted at 160 °C and 170 °C for durations up to 184 h. Tensile tests were conducted on specimens aged under the most promising conditions. Based on innovative quality indices and predictive modeling, aging at 160 °C for 4.5 h was identified as the optimal condition, providing a well-balanced combination of strength and ductility (YS = 258 MPa, UTS = 313 MPa, and e% = 3.9%). Mechanical behavior was also assessed through microstructural and fractographic analyses, highlighting the capability of EN 42000 to achieve properties suitable for high-performance automotive components.

Source: Metals

DOI: 10.3390/met15070726

Authors: Cristian Cascioli, Riccardo Arcaleni, Alessandro Morri, Lorella Ceschini

Institution: University of Bologna

Language: English

Topic: Aluminum Alloy Microstructure Properties

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137