Abstract:
This study investigates the effect of Direct Aging (DA), Solution Treatment (ST), and Solution Treatment +Aging (T6) on the microstructural, mechanical, and corrosion properties of Direct Powder Forged (DPF) Al-10Si-0.3Mg alloys. Microstructural analysis using optical microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Electron Back-Scattered Diffraction (EBSD) revealed that direct aging at 200°C (DA-2) significantly enhanced the uniformity of silicon (Si) particle distribution and minimizing interparticle boundaries due to increased diffusion bonding. Solution-treated samples exhibited partial Si dissolution, higher porosity, and retained interparticle boundaries, while T6-treated samples demonstrated improved microstructural uniformity and enhanced Si precipitation. Mechanical property evaluations indicate that T6-2 exhibits the highest tensile strength (207.15 MPa) and elongation (5.02%), followed closely by DA-2 (203.13 MPa, 4.39%). These improvements are attributed to lower residual stress, higher diffusion distances, and well-dispersed silicon particles. Corrosion analysis using cyclic polarization and impedance spectroscopy indicated varied electrochemical responses, with DA-2 exhibiting the lowest corrosion current and highest impedance, while ST-treated samples showed lower corrosion resistance. Overall, DA-2 is the most effective heat treatment, offering a better balance between mechanical and corrosive properties.