Role of cold work and SiC volume fraction on accelerated age hardening behavior of Al-Si-Mg/SiC composites

The Al-Si-Mg alloy is a well-known expansion alloy with high wear resistance, low thermal expansion coefficient, good corrosion resistance, low density, and improved elevated temperature properties. These properties led to the application of Al-Si-Mg alloys in the automotive industry, especially for cylinder blocks, cylinder heads, pistons, and valve filters. The addition of ceramic particulate to these alloys increases high temperature strength, mechanical properties and wear resistance at ambient temperature. In addition, Al-Si-Mg alloys are sensitive to age hardening by the formation of Mg2Si precipitates. The purpose of this present article is to document the effect of SiCp reinforcement volume fraction and amount of cold work on the acceleration of aging kinetics in Al-Si-Mg matrix alloy reinforced with 10 and 20 vol% SiC particles.