Effect of aging time on microstructural and mechanical properties of 6061 aluminum alloy

Abstract

Aluminum alloy 6061 have moderate strength, good formability, and excellent corrosion resistance, it has a wide use in several engineering sectors. Age hardening is the main feature of this alloy. In this study, some mechanical characteristics of Aluminum 6061 samples aged to different times has been studied. The specimen’s mechanical properties were improved in general; best mechanical properties were achieved after 2 hours of heat treatment at 200oC. Ultimate tensile stress, yield stress, ductility and microhardness variation with aging time are discussed regarding to the microstructural alteration caused by heat treatment. We found that the Mg2Si initiation and growth was a function for aging time, which was the main cause for improvement of the alloy mechanical features.