Study on hardness and microstructural characteristics of sand cast Al-Si-Cu alloys

In this study, the influence of Cu content on the hardness and microstructural characteristics of sand cast Al-Si-Cu alloys have been investigated. Al-Si alloys with 2% and 5% Cu have been utilized for this purpose. Solidification of Al-Si-Cu alloys have been realized by melting in a gas furnace with a crucible and casting in green sand molds at 690°C. The solution treatment has been performed at 500°C for 7 h and then specimens were quenched in water. The samples have been aged at 190°C for 15 h to observe the effect of aging on mechanical properties.