New high-strength die-cast aluminum alloy: key material for automotive lightweighting and performance improvement

Latest research results reveal the excellent properties of Al-Si-Mg-Mn alloy

In the continued development of the automotive industry, lightweighting has become an important way to improve energy efficiency and performance. As a lightweight, high-strength material, aluminum alloy is increasingly used in automobile manufacturing. Recently, a study on a new high-strength Al-Si-Mg-Mn alloy provides a new perspective on the application of aluminum alloys in automobile lightweighting.

Breakthrough properties of new Al-Si-Mg-Mn alloy

According to the latest research, the tensile strength of the new Al-Si-Mg-Mn alloy after die casting (as cast) can reach 230 to 310 MPa, the yield strength is 200 to 240 MPa, and the elongation is about 0.5%. The realization of this performance benefits from the formation of the fine α-AlFeMnSi phase and multi-scale eutectic structure in the alloy. However, the elongation of the alloy is lower, mainly due to the direct influence of larger pores and coarse second phases.

Application of die-casting technology and development of aluminum alloys

As a near-net forming process, die-casting is widely used in the manufacturing of automotive, communications, engineering machinery and other parts due to its high production efficiency, high product precision and excellent performance. In the past decade, many auto parts originally made of steel have been replaced by aluminum alloy die-casting parts, which not only reduces the weight of the vehicle, but also achieves energy conservation and emission reduction goals.

Strengthening mechanism and performance improvement of aluminum alloys

Adding elements such as Mg, Cu, Mn or Zn to aluminum alloys to form intermediate compounds such as AlMgZn, AlMn or Al2Cu can effectively improve the strength of the alloy. The strengthening effect of these alloys is attributed to solid solution and precipitation strengthening. Research shows that by adding an appropriate amount of Mn, not only can the sticky mold be reduced, but the morphology of the β-Fe phase can also be changed, further improving the performance of the alloy.

Research on the structure and properties of new aluminum alloys

The researchers designed Al-Si-Mg-Mn alloy compositions with different eutectic integral fractions through JMatPro phase diagram simulation calculations. Through microstructure observation and fracture morphology analysis, the structural evolution and performance characteristics of the alloy were revealed. Research has found that ultrafine eutectic structures can significantly improve the strength and plasticity of alloys, providing a new way to improve the performance of aluminum alloys.

Research on the structure and properties of new aluminum alloys

The researchers designed Al-Si-Mg-Mn alloy compositions with different eutectic integral fractions through JMatPro phase diagram simulation calculations. Through microstructure observation and fracture morphology analysis, the structural evolution and performance characteristics of the alloy were revealed. Research has found that ultrafine eutectic structures can significantly improve the strength and plasticity of alloys, providing a new way to improve the performance of aluminum alloys.