Characterization of Atomized Powders and Extruded Samples of an Al-Si-Cu Alloy

In this work, the microestrutural characterization and mechanical properties of atomized Al-9Si-3Cu alloy powders and extruded samples are presented. The microstructure was evaluated by a combination of X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties of extruded samples were also characterized by tensile test and hardness measurements. The results revealed that the powder particles and the extruded samples are constituted by α-Al, intermetallic and metastable phases. The extruded samples obtained by the use of smaller atomized particles show lower ductility than with larger particles. The same behavior was observed with low extrusion temperature than with high temperatures. It was also observed minor variations in the yield strength and hardness with variation in the size of the powder particles.