Abstract:

In this study, samples were produced by powder metallurgy techniques from pre-mixed Al powders known ECKA 123 (Al-4,5 Cu-0,5 Mg-0,7-1,5 lubricant) and, mechanical, microstructural and ageing behaviours of them were examined. Powders were pressed at 250, 400, 550 MPa pressures to obtain blanks which were sintered in nitrogen gas for up to 60 minutes at 600°C. Green and sintered densities together with hardness of the samples were determined. 400 MPa pressure, 600 sintering temperature and 40 min sintering duration were found to be suitable for the production of these samples. Hardness and transverse rupture tests were carried out on the sintered samples. One batch of the samples were artificially aged at 160°C for 15, 20, 25 hours after solution treatment at 500°C and then cooled to room temperature by water quenching. Another batch of the samples were artificially aged at 130°C for 15, 25, 40 hours after solution treatment at 470°C and cooled to room temperature by water quenching. Microstructural and mechanical properties of the aged samples were determined. Optimum mechanical properties were found on the sample which was solution treated at 500°C and aged at 160°C for 25 hours

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